What is this earache?

Symptoms:

You have pain in your ear and you attended a rock concert recently where the music was very loud. Your ears have been ringing since.

You have pain in your ear when you swallow and you’ve had a sore throat and tonsillitis which has taken a couple of weeks to clear up. Your child has had repeated ear infections and the affected side of their face becomes red and they pull at their ear. They have a high temp of 38C or above. It could be:

A perforated or burst eardrum, which is a hole in the eardrum. You may find it difficult to hear anything or your hearing might just be slightly muffled.

Tonsillitis which can feel like a bad cold or flu. Your throat is sore and you have difficulty swallowing. Often you lose your voice or your voice becomes hoarse. A middle ear infection, very common in children. There’s often a high temperature and your child will be off their food, or even sick. Stop it:

A perforated eardrum usually heals within a few weeks and may not need any treatment. It’s a good idea, however, to see your GP for a check-up.

Tonsillitis isn’t contagious but the infections that cause it are. Stay off work or keep your child at home. Throw away tissues when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands after coughing and sneezing. Take painkillers, lozenges and throat sprays.

See your GP who will examine your child’s ear and prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. Your child may need an ENT appointment to sort out the ear problem.