How long earache lasts
It depends on what's causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days.
Symptoms of earache in babies and young children
A young child might have earache if they:
- rub or pull their ear
- do not react to some sounds
- have a temperature of 38C or above
- are irritable or restless
- are off their food
- keep losing their balance
Earache and ear pain can affect 1 or both ears.
How to treat earache yourself
There are some things you can do to help relieve earache and ear pain.
Do
-
use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (children under 16 should not take aspirin)
Don’t
-
do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds
-
do not try to remove earwax
-
do not let water get inside your ear
Some painkillers are not safe for everyone (for example, if you're pregnant). Always check the leaflet or get medical advice before taking them.
Non-urgent advice: See a pharmacist if:
- your child is aged 1 to 17 years and you think they need help for earache
A pharmacist can give children the same treatments as a GP for earache or an ear infection. They can also give advice or direct you to other medical help.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- your child is under 12 months old and you think they need help for earache
- you have earache that lasts for more than 3 days
- you or your child keep getting earache
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You or your child have earache and:
- become generally unwell
- have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- have swelling around the ear
- have fluid coming from the ear
- have hearing loss or a change in hearing
- have something stuck in the ear
- your child is under 212 months and has earache in both ears
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 if you need advice for a child under 5 years old.
What causes earache and pain
Earache and pain can be caused by many things, but sometimes it's not known by what.
| Symptoms | Possible condition |
|---|---|
|
Ear pain with toothache |
|
|
Ear pain with change in hearing |
Glue ear, earwax build-up, an object stuck in the ear (do not try to remove it yourself – see a GP), perforated eardrum (particularly after a loud noise or accident) |
|
Ear pain with pain when swallowing |
Sore throat, tonsillitis, quinsy (a complication of tonsillitis) |
|
Ear pain with a fever |
Page last reviewed: 29 April 2022
Next review due: 29 April 2025