Published: August 2025 | Last Updated: August 31, 2026 | Medical Sources Checked: August 31, 2026
Your child wakes up crying and holds one ear.
Or your toddler becomes fussy after a cold.
Maybe they pull at their ear but cannot tell you what hurts.
You may wonder if it is an ear infection.
Sometimes it is.
But childhood earache has many possible causes.
Ear pain can come from a middle ear infection, fluid behind the eardrum, swimmer's ear, earwax, pressure during flying, a foreign object, a sore throat, dental pain, or an injury.
This guide explains the common causes of ear pain in children, how earache can look in toddlers, safe pain relief, warning signs, and when your child needs a healthcare professional.
If your child has a diagnosed or suspected middle ear infection, also read our Childhood Ear Infections Guide.
For more child health topics, visit the Child Health and Safety Guide.
Quick Answer
Childhood earache means pain or discomfort in one or both ears.
A middle ear infection is a common cause.
But it is not the only cause.
Other possibilities include:
- Fluid behind the eardrum
- Swimmer's ear
- Blocked earwax
- An object stuck in the ear
- Pressure changes during flying
- A sore throat
- Dental or jaw pain
- An ear injury
Safe comfort measures can include an age-appropriate pain reliever when your child can take it and a warm or cool cloth against the outside of the ear.
Do not place oil, herbal remedies, or random ear drops into a painful ear unless a qualified healthcare professional says they are safe.
Get medical advice sooner if your child has ear drainage, severe pain, significant hearing change, swelling around or behind the ear, a foreign object, or looks very unwell.
Important Medical Note
I am not a dermatologist or A doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real-life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
What Is a Childhood Earache?
An earache is pain felt in or around the ear.
The medical word is otalgia.
Parents do not need to remember that word.
The important thing is finding the cause.
The pain may be:
- Sharp
- Dull
- Throbbing
- Constant
- On and off
- In one ear
- In both ears
An older child may simply say, “My ear hurts.”
A toddler may show you in other ways.
How Does Earache Look in a Toddler?
Toddlers often cannot describe pain well.
This makes toddler ear pain harder to recognize.
A toddler with an uncomfortable ear may:
- Touch or rub the ear
- Become unusually fussy
- Cry more than usual
- Sleep poorly
- Eat less
- Seem uncomfortable while chewing
- Respond less to quiet sounds
- Appear off balance
- Want more comfort than usual
These signs can happen with an ear infection.
But no single sign proves that one is present.
Does Ear Pulling Mean My Toddler Has an Ear Infection?
No.
This is one of the most useful things for parents to know.
Young children touch and pull their ears for many reasons.
Some do it when tired.
Some do it for comfort.
Some simply discover their ears and play with them.
Ear pulling becomes more meaningful when it happens with other symptoms such as:
- Clear ear pain
- Fever
- Poor sleep
- Recent cold symptoms
- Ear drainage
- Reduced hearing
A healthcare professional usually needs to look at the eardrum to diagnose a middle ear infection.
Why Do Toddlers Get Ear Pain So Often?
Young children have smaller eustachian tubes.
These tubes connect the middle ear with the back of the nose and throat.
They help equalize pressure and drain fluid.
In young children, the tubes can become blocked more easily.
A cold can cause swelling around them.
Fluid may then collect behind the eardrum.
That fluid can cause pressure.
Sometimes bacteria or viruses grow in the trapped fluid and cause a middle ear infection.
Common Causes of Childhood Earache
Ear pain is a symptom.
The next step is finding what caused it.
1. Middle Ear Infection
A middle ear infection in children is called acute otitis media.
It is one of the most common reasons for childhood ear pain.
It often develops during or after a cold.
Fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum.
The middle ear becomes inflamed.
Symptoms may include:
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Fussiness
- Sleep problems
- Temporary hearing change
- Reduced appetite
- Ear drainage if the eardrum opens
Not every middle ear infection needs antibiotics.
The child's age, symptoms, examination, severity, and whether one or both ears are affected all matter.
For full treatment guidance, see our Childhood Ear Infections Guide.
2. Fluid Behind the Eardrum Without Infection
Sometimes fluid remains in the middle ear after a cold or an ear infection.
This is called otitis media with effusion.
The fluid itself is not the same as an active bacterial ear infection.
A child may have:
- A blocked feeling
- Mild discomfort
- Popping sounds
- Muffled hearing
Fluid may remain after the pain and fever from an infection have gone.
Persistent hearing concerns deserve medical review.
3. Swimmer's Ear
Swimmer's ear in children affects the outer ear canal.
The medical name is otitis externa.
It is different from a middle ear infection.
Water that remains in the ear canal can damage its protective environment and allow bacteria to grow.
Children get swimmer's ear more often than adults.
Clues include:
- Pain when the outer ear is gently moved
- Pain when pressing the small flap in front of the ear canal
- Itching inside the ear
- Ear canal redness
- Swelling
- Drainage
Swimmer's ear often needs medicated ear drops prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional.
Middle Ear Infection Versus Swimmer's Ear
| Clue | Middle Ear Infection | Swimmer's Ear |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Behind the eardrum | Ear canal |
| Often follows | A cold | Swimming or wet ear canal |
| Outer ear movement | Usually not the main source of pain | Can be painful |
| Ear canal itch | Less typical | Common |
| Treatment | Depends on examination and severity | Often medicated ear drops |
4. Earwax Buildup
Earwax protects the ear canal.
It is not dirt.
Most earwax moves outward naturally.
But a large piece of hard wax can block the canal.
This can cause:
- Mild ear pain
- A blocked feeling
- Muffled hearing
- Itching
Do not put cotton swabs inside your child's ear canal.
They can push wax deeper.
They can also scratch the canal or injure the eardrum.
For young children, ask a healthcare professional before trying wax removal products or flushing at home.
5. Something Stuck in the Ear
Young children sometimes put objects into their ears.
Examples include:
- Small toy pieces
- Food
- Paper
- Beads
- Small stones
A foreign object can cause:
- Pain
- Blocked hearing
- Drainage
- Bleeding
Do not blindly poke into the ear with tweezers or another object.
You may push the item deeper.
A healthcare professional can examine the ear and remove it safely.
Button batteries are different
A button battery in the ear is an emergency.
It can damage tissue quickly.
Seek emergency medical care immediately.
6. Ear Pain During Flying
Airplane ear in children happens when pressure on the two sides of the eardrum does not equalize quickly.
Pain is especially common during descent.
A blocked nose from a cold can make pressure changes harder.
For children who can drink safely, swallowing during takeoff and landing may help.
A bottle, breastfeeding, cup, or drink may encourage swallowing depending on the child's age.
Do not give sedating medicines just to make a child sleep on a flight.
If your child recently had ear surgery or a significant ear infection, ask their healthcare professional about flying.
For more travel help, see our Travelling With a Toddler Guide.
7. Sore Throat and Referred Ear Pain
Sometimes the ear itself is normal.
Pain from another area can be felt in the ear.
This is called referred ear pain.
Possible sources include:
- Sore throat
- Tonsil infection
- Dental problems
- Jaw pain
This is one reason a healthcare professional may examine your child's mouth and throat when the ear hurts.
8. Dental Pain
Pain from a back tooth can sometimes feel like ear pain.
Look for:
- Tooth pain
- Gum swelling
- Pain while chewing
- Sensitivity to food or drinks
If the ear examination is normal but chewing hurts, a dental cause may need consideration.
9. Jaw Pain
The jaw joint sits close to the ear.
Jaw problems can sometimes cause pain that feels like an earache.
Older children may notice:
- Jaw clicking
- Pain when chewing
- Pain when opening the mouth wide
10. Ear Injury
An earache can follow an injury.
Possible causes include:
- A cotton swab pushed too far
- A sharp object
- A blow to the ear
- A loud blast
- A sudden pressure change
Ear pain with bleeding, sudden hearing change, or dizziness after an injury deserves prompt medical assessment.
What Is a Ruptured Eardrum?
The eardrum is a thin membrane.
It separates the ear canal from the middle ear.
A hole or tear is called an eardrum perforation.
It can happen because of:
- Middle ear infection
- Pressure injury
- An object placed in the ear
- A strong blow
- Very loud sound
Signs may include:
- Ear drainage
- Blood
- Sudden hearing change
- Ear pain
- Ringing
- Dizziness
Do not put ear drops into an ear with possible eardrum damage unless a healthcare professional says they are safe.
What Does Ear Drainage Mean?
Ear drainage in children can have several causes.
It may be:
- Normal earwax
- Drainage from swimmer's ear
- Fluid from a ruptured eardrum
- Blood after injury
Yellow, green, cloudy, bloody, or bad-smelling drainage needs medical advice.
Do not push cotton swabs into the canal to clean it.
Gently wipe only the outside of the ear.
Can Teething Cause Earache?
Teething and ear pain are often confused.
Pain from the mouth, gums, teeth, or jaw can sometimes be felt near the ear.
But teething does not diagnose an ear infection.
If your baby or toddler has fever, clear ear pain, drainage, significant illness, or symptoms that concern you, do not assume it is only teething.
Earache After a Cold
A cold is a common starting point for ear discomfort.
The nose and throat become inflamed.
The eustachian tube can become blocked.
Pressure or fluid may then build behind the eardrum.
Sometimes this remains simple congestion.
Sometimes a middle ear infection develops.
For safe cold care, read our Childhood Cold Guide.
Can Allergies Cause Ear Pain?
Allergies can cause nasal congestion.
This can affect the eustachian tube and create a blocked or full feeling in the ear.
However, repeated ear pain should not automatically be blamed on allergies.
A healthcare professional can check for other causes.
Childhood Earache Symptom Guide
| What You Notice | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Ear pain after a cold | Middle ear pressure or infection |
| Pain when outer ear is moved | Swimmer's ear |
| Blocked ear and muffled hearing | Wax or middle ear fluid |
| Pain during airplane descent | Pressure change |
| Pain with sore throat | Referred pain or throat illness |
| Pain while chewing | Dental or jaw problem |
| Pain with object seen in canal | Foreign object |
| Drainage after severe ear pain | Possible eardrum perforation or infection |
This table is a guide.
It cannot diagnose your child.
How Does a Doctor Find the Cause of Ear Pain?
The clinician asks about symptoms.
They may ask:
- When did the pain start?
- Was there a recent cold?
- Is there a fever?
- Has the child been swimming?
- Is anything draining from the ear?
- Has hearing changed?
- Could something be inside the ear?
They then examine the ear.
A tool called an otoscope allows the clinician to see the ear canal and eardrum.
This is important because symptoms alone cannot reliably tell parents whether an acute middle ear infection is present.
Safe Relief for Childhood Earache
The safest pain relief depends on the child's age, weight, medical history, and the cause of the earache.
Use an appropriate pain medicine
Acetaminophen can help with ear pain and fever when it is appropriate for your child.
Ibuprofen is another option for children who can safely take it.
Follow the product label or instructions from your healthcare professional.
Use the dose based on your child's current weight when the product instructions use weight.
Do not give aspirin to a child unless a qualified healthcare professional specifically directs you to do so.
Try a warm or cool cloth
A warm or cool damp washcloth placed against the outside of the ear may feel soothing.
Some children prefer warmth.
Others prefer cool.
Keep the temperature comfortable.
Do not use anything hot enough to burn skin.
Offer fluids
Drinking keeps a sick child hydrated.
Swallowing can also help with pressure changes in the ear.
Give comfort
Ear pain can make a young child frightened and tired.
Quiet play, cuddling, reading, and rest can make the wait for medical advice easier.
Should I Prop My Child Up With Pillows for Ear Pain?
Do not change a baby's safe sleep setup or add pillows just to treat ear pain.
Babies should continue to use a safe sleep environment.
For older children, comfort while awake is fine.
But sleep position is not a treatment for an ear infection.
Should I Put Olive Oil in My Child's Ear?
Do not routinely put olive oil or another home remedy into a painful ear.
You may not know whether the eardrum is intact.
You may also not know whether the problem is in the middle ear, outer ear, or ear canal.
Use ear drops only when they are appropriate for the cause and safe for your child's ear.
What Should I Never Put in a Child's Ear?
Avoid putting objects or unapproved remedies into the ear canal.
This includes:
- Cotton swabs
- Hairpins
- Toothpicks
- Ear candles
- Undiluted essential oils
- Garlic preparations
- Random leftover ear drops
These can push wax deeper, injure the canal, damage the eardrum, or delay the right treatment.
Can I Use Leftover Antibiotic Ear Drops?
No.
Different ear conditions need different treatments.
A middle ear infection and swimmer's ear are not treated in the same way.
Some drops are not appropriate when the eardrum has a hole.
Use medicine prescribed or recommended for the current problem.
Does Every Earache Need Antibiotics?
No.
Many causes of childhood ear pain do not need antibiotics.
Even some middle ear infections can be managed with observation and pain control when the child meets the right criteria.
Antibiotics do not treat:
- Ear pressure from flying
- Blocked earwax
- Viral colds
- Dental pain
- Jaw pain
A healthcare professional should decide when antibiotics are appropriate.
When Should I Call the Doctor for an Earache?
Contact your child's healthcare professional if:
- The pain is significant
- The pain is not improving
- Your child has ear drainage
- Hearing seems reduced
- Your child has repeated earaches
- You suspect a foreign object
- The outer ear is swollen or very painful
- Your child seems unwell
- You are not sure what is causing the pain
Young babies deserve extra caution.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly when a young infant seems to have ear pain or illness.
When Is Childhood Ear Pain Urgent?
Seek prompt or urgent medical assessment if your child has:
- Severe pain with a very sick appearance
- Swelling or redness around or behind the ear
- The ear appears pushed outward because of swelling behind it
- Sudden major hearing loss
- Significant dizziness or trouble walking
- Blood after an ear injury
- Possible button battery in the ear
- Clear fluid or blood after a significant head injury
- Severe headache or neck stiffness with serious illness
Does Fever Make an Earache More Serious?
Fever can happen with ear infections.
But there is no single fever number that tells you the cause of ear pain.
Look at the whole child.
How are they breathing?
Are they drinking?
Can they wake and interact normally?
How severe is the pain?
Age matters too.
A fever in a young infant needs prompt medical advice.
Earache Without Fever
A child can have significant ear pain without fever.
Possible causes include:
- Swimmer's ear
- Wax blockage
- Middle ear fluid
- Pressure change
- A foreign object
- Dental pain
- Jaw pain
- Some ear infections
Do not use the absence of fever to rule out an ear problem.
Toddler Ear Infection Without Fever
A toddler does not need a fever to have an ear infection.
You may instead notice:
- Clear ear pain
- New night waking
- Unusual irritability
- Less interest in food
- Reduced response to quiet sounds
- Recent cold symptoms
Ear pulling alone is still not enough to diagnose an infection.
Why Does My Toddler Cry More at Night With Ear Pain?
A tired toddler often finds pain harder to tolerate.
Night also removes daytime distraction.
The child may notice discomfort more when the house becomes quiet.
Do not assume night crying proves an ear infection.
Use the whole symptom pattern.
Can Ear Pain Affect Eating?
Yes.
Chewing and swallowing move structures near the ear and jaw.
A toddler with ear pain may eat less for a short time.
Offer fluids.
Watch for signs of dehydration if illness reduces drinking.
Can Earache Cause Hearing Problems?
Yes.
Fluid behind the eardrum can temporarily reduce hearing.
Wax can also block sound.
Swelling in the ear canal can affect hearing too.
Tell your clinician if your child:
- Stops responding to quiet speech
- Turns the television louder
- Asks people to repeat themselves
- Seems to hear better from one side
- Has speech concerns along with repeated ear problems
Persistent hearing change deserves assessment.
Repeated Earaches and Recurrent Ear Infections
Repeated ear pain is not always the same as repeated acute ear infection.
This distinction matters.
A child may repeatedly experience:
- Middle ear infections
- Middle ear fluid
- Wax problems
- Swimmer's ear
- Throat or dental pain
Keep a simple record.
Write down:
- Date
- Which ear hurt
- Whether fever was present
- Whether a doctor confirmed infection
- Which treatment was used
- Whether hearing changed
This can help your child's clinician decide whether further hearing testing or an ear, nose, and throat referral is useful.
Does My Child Need Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes are not a treatment for every child with repeated ear pain.
The decision depends on the full history and ear examination.
Doctors consider factors such as:
- Confirmed recurrent middle ear infections
- Persistent middle ear fluid
- Hearing concerns
- Speech or developmental concerns
- What the ears look like during evaluation
An ear, nose, and throat specialist can discuss whether tubes may help.
Can My Child Go to School With an Earache?
Ear pain itself is not usually contagious.
The illness causing it may be.
A child with a mild earache who otherwise feels well may be able to attend school.
Keep your child home if they are too unwell to take part normally or if another contagious illness requires exclusion.
Follow your school or daycare policy.
Can My Child Swim With Ear Pain?
It depends on the cause.
Do not swim if:
- There is ear drainage
- The eardrum may be perforated
- A healthcare professional has advised against swimming
- The child has active swimmer's ear and has been told to keep the ear dry
For prevention, dry the outside of the ears after swimming.
Do not insert objects into the ear canal.
How to Reduce the Risk of Swimmer's Ear
The CDC recommends keeping ears as dry as practical.
After swimming:
- Tilt the head to let water drain
- Dry the outside with a towel
- Do not push cotton swabs into the canal
Ask a healthcare professional before using drying drops.
They should not be used when a child has ear tubes, a perforated eardrum, active swimmer's ear, or ear drainage unless specifically advised.
Can Childhood Earache Be Prevented?
You cannot prevent every earache.
You can reduce some causes.
Reduce respiratory infections
Teach regular handwashing.
Keep recommended vaccines current.
Avoid tobacco smoke
Keep children away from secondhand smoke.
Protect the ear canal
Do not use cotton swabs inside the ear.
Dry ears after swimming.
Manage ongoing health concerns
Talk with your child's healthcare professional about persistent nasal congestion, repeated ear problems, or hearing concerns.
My Parent Approach to Childhood Ear Pain
After more than 33 years of parenting and grandparenting, I have learned not to diagnose an ear infection from ear pulling alone.
I look at the whole pattern.
Was there a cold?
Is the child clearly in pain?
Is there fever?
Has hearing changed?
Is there drainage?
Did the child recently swim?
Could something have gone into the ear?
I focus first on safe comfort.
I do not put oils or random drops into the ear.
I do not push cotton swabs inside.
And when pain continues, or the pattern worries me, I let a qualified healthcare professional look at the eardrum.
That simple examination can answer questions that parents cannot answer by looking from the outside.
Conclusion
Childhood earache is common, but ear pain does not always mean an ear infection.
Middle ear infection is one possible cause.
Swimmer's ear, fluid, wax, pressure changes, foreign objects, throat pain, dental pain, and injuries can also make a child's ear hurt.
Use safe pain relief.
Keep objects and unapproved drops out of the ear canal.
Watch for drainage, hearing change, severe pain, swelling around the ear, or a child who looks very unwell.
If you cannot tell why the ear hurts, arrange an examination instead of guessing.
Your next step is simple: save this childhood earache guide and use our Childhood Ear Infections Guide whenever the symptoms point toward a middle ear infection.
Related Parnthub Guides
- Child Health and Safety Guide
- Complete Toddler Guide
- Childhood Ear Infections
- Childhood Cold
- Travelling With a Toddler
Trusted Medical References and Sources
The medical information in this guide was checked against pediatric, government, national health, and medical library guidance. All five resources below were publicly accessible without a paid subscription or login when checked on August 31, 2026.
-
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Earache Symptom Guide
This pediatric resource explains common causes of childhood earache, including ear infection, swimmer's ear, earwax, foreign objects, airplane pressure, and referred pain. It also covers safe comfort care and when parents should seek medical attention.
-
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Ear Infections in Children
This parent resource explains middle ear infection, eustachian tube blockage, ear pain, fever, temporary hearing difficulty, diagnosis, pain relief, observation, and antibiotic treatment.
-
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preventing Swimmer's Ear
This CDC guide explains why water in the outer ear canal can lead to swimmer's ear, its signs, how it differs from a middle ear infection, safe ear drying, and why objects should not be inserted into the ear canal.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/preventing-swimmers-ear.html
-
NHS: Earache
This national health resource explains common earache symptoms in children, pain relief, ear drainage, hearing changes, when to seek medical help, and why objects such as cotton buds should not be placed inside the ear.
-
MedlinePlus, United States National Library of Medicine: Ear Emergencies
This public medical resource explains foreign objects in the ear, eardrum injury, sudden hearing problems, pressure injuries, and why children with objects stuck in the ear often need professional removal.
Medical source note: Medicine choices, age limits, antibiotic decisions, school policies, and treatment recommendations vary by child and country. Always follow your child's healthcare professional and local medical guidance.
About the Author
Adel Galal is the founder and primary author of Parnthub.
He is a father of four and a grandfather of four with more than 33 years of hands on parenting and grandparenting experience.
His child health content combines real family experience with careful research from pediatric, government, public health, and medical sources.
Adel focuses on practical questions parents face at home.
What might be causing this pain?
What can I safely do now?
What should I avoid?
When does my child need professional medical care?
His goal is to help parents understand symptoms without pretending that an online article can diagnose a child.
I am not a dermatologist or A doctor, and this content does not replace professional medical advice. What I share comes from real-life experience, extensive research, and consultation with healthcare providers. Always consult qualified medical professionals for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Learn more about Adel, Parnthub's experience-based approach, and how our content is created on the Parnthub About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Earache
What is the most common cause of childhood earache?
A middle ear infection is a common cause of ear pain in children, especially during or after a cold. Earache can also come from swimmer's ear, earwax, middle ear fluid, pressure changes, foreign objects, throat pain, dental problems, or injury.
How do I know if my toddler has an ear infection?
A toddler may have clear ear pain, fussiness, poor sleep, reduced appetite, fever, temporary hearing change, or symptoms after a cold. Ear pulling alone does not prove an ear infection. A clinician usually needs to examine the eardrum.
Can a toddler have an ear infection without fever?
Yes. Fever is not required. A toddler may instead have ear pain, poor sleep, irritability, reduced appetite, drainage, or temporary hearing changes.
Does ear pulling mean an ear infection?
No. Young children may pull their ears when tired, playing, or comforting themselves. Ear pulling is more useful when it appears with other symptoms such as pain, fever, drainage, recent cold symptoms, or hearing change.
What can I give my child for ear pain?
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help when the medicine is appropriate for your child's age, weight, and medical history. Follow the product instructions or advice from a healthcare professional. Do not give aspirin unless specifically directed by a clinician.
Can I put olive oil in my child's ear for earache?
Do not routinely put olive oil or another home remedy into a painful ear. The eardrum may not be intact, and different causes of ear pain need different treatment.
What is the difference between swimmer's ear and a middle ear infection?
Swimmer's ear affects the outer ear canal and may hurt when the outer ear is moved. A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum and often develops after a cold.
Why does my child's ear hurt after swimming?
Water that stays in the ear canal can contribute to swimmer's ear. Symptoms can include pain, itching, redness, swelling, or drainage from the ear canal.
Why does my child's ear hurt on an airplane?
Air pressure can change faster than the middle ear can equalize, especially during landing. Swallowing may help. A cold or blocked nose can make the pressure problem worse.
Can a sore throat cause ear pain?
Yes. Pain from the throat, tonsils, teeth, or jaw can sometimes be felt in the ear even when the ear itself is normal. This is called referred ear pain.
When should I worry about ear drainage?
Get medical advice for yellow, green, cloudy, bloody, or bad smelling drainage. Drainage may come from swimmer's ear, a middle ear infection with eardrum perforation, or an injury.
When is an earache urgent?
Seek prompt medical care for severe illness, swelling or redness behind the ear, sudden major hearing loss, significant dizziness, blood after injury, or a possible button battery in the ear.
Can earwax cause ear pain?
Yes. Hard blocked earwax can cause discomfort and muffled hearing. Do not push cotton swabs into the ear canal because they can move wax deeper and cause injury.
Can ear infections affect a toddler's hearing?
Fluid behind the eardrum can temporarily reduce hearing. Persistent hearing changes, repeated ear infections, or speech concerns should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Does every childhood earache need antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics only help selected bacterial infections. Ear pressure, wax, viral illness, dental pain, jaw pain, and many other causes do not improve with antibiotics.
