Anyone who’s experienced a steep final descent on an airplane knows that ear pain can come on suddenly, and it can be debilitating. When it happens while both feet are on the ground, it can also be perplexing. That’s because the underlying cause of ear pain can be hard to pinpoint as it can originate from deep inside — or way outside — the ear. Below, find the most common causes of ear pain, as well as methods for ear pain relief.

Common causes of ear pain

While there are numerous causes of ear pain, the culprit is usually one of a few regular offenders. Here are the most common causes of ear pain and how to treat them:

Middle ear infection: This is the number one cause of ear pain. Middle ear infections often develop in conjunction with a head or chest cold and can sometimes cause the eardrum to rupture. If the middle ear infection is bacterial, antibiotics are often prescribed to clear it up. Over-the-counter pain relief or a warm compress on the ear can help manage pain.

How to avoid a middle ear infection: Practice routine hand washing during cold and flu season.

Earwax blockage: Excessive earwax or pushing earwax deep into the canal by using cotton swabs can cause hearing problems, ringing and a feeling like your ear is full. If earwax-softening drops don’t work, a doctor can flush the ear to remove impacted wax.

How to avoid earwax blockage: Use topical emollients to keep ears free of wax buildup; avoid using cotton swabs to clean ears.

Swimmer’s ear (a.k.a., external otitis): This infection of the ear canal often occurs when water is trapped. If there’s pain when you pull your ear lobe, there’s a good chance it’s swimmer’s ear. Swimmer’s ear isn’t contagious, but you’ll likely need antibiotics to clear it up.

How to avoid swimmer’s ear: Wear ear plugs when swimming and dry ears thoroughly afterward.

Sinusitis: Infection and inflammation in the sinuses can cause ear pressure and discomfort. You may also have a fever and headache. Most cases of sinusitis are viral. Pain relievers can help with discomfort, and nasal sprays/decongestants can help unblock sinuses to relieve ear pain.

How to avoid sinusitis: Regularly flushing your sinuses with saline irrigation can prevent blockage.

Dental problems: In addition to cracked or abscessed teeth, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) in the jaw can cause pain in the ears. How will you know if dental problems are causing your ear pain? It won’t just be your ears that bother you. Pain when eating — either a dull pain when opening and closing the mouth or a sharper pain from hot or cold foods — could be your best clue. That’s when it’s time to call the dentist.

How to avoid ear pain related to dental problems: If you clench or grind your teeth at night, a custom mouth guard could help relieve ear pain.

Ear pain is often easy to treat when diagnosed promptly, before complications develop. If ear pain persists, schedule an appointment with an audiologist or primary care provider for an ear and hearing exam. And in the meantime, you can take proactive steps toward better hearing health.

The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for hearing appointments, tests and treatments. Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find an audiologist or primary care provider near you who accepts the CareCredit credit card.