Ear Pain in Princeton and Monroe, NJ
Ear pain tends to indicate the presence of another health problem. To determine the cause of your ear pain, trust your care to board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Scott Kay, FACS, of the Central New Jersey area, including the neighborhoods of Princeton, Monroe and Plainsboro.
What is Ear Pain?
Ear pain can be used to describe a number of feelings ranging from moderate discomfort to severe pain that is accompanied by throbbing or stabbing sensations. Mild ear pain that goes away in a short time is not typically cause for concern; however, when the discomfort persists or becomes severe enough to hamper everyday activities, medical attention is needed.
What Causes Ear Pain?
The cause of ear pain in infants and toddlers is often related to teething. Children may also suffer ear pain after inserting a foreign object into the ear canal. Adults are more likely to suffer from a bacterial infection known as otitis media, or experience a perforated ear drum due to injury. Other causes may include:
- Meniere’s disease
- Swimmer’s ear
- Tempromandibular joint disorders
Benefits of Ear Pain Treatment
Ear pain indicates another problem with the ears, nose or throat, and could be anything from an infection to a ruptured eardrum. Severe complications including hearing loss can develop if the cause of ear pain is not treated promptly.
How is Ear Pain Treated?
This depends on the cause identified by Dr. Kay. Antibiotic drops and/or Antibiotics could also be needed if an infection is present. Draining or placing a tube in the ears is sometimes required if there is an excess buildup of fluid.
Preparing For Ear Pain Treatment
Be prepared to discuss where and when your ear pain started, in addition to describing any other symptoms you are experiencing such as a headache or sore throat. Keeping a journal of your symptoms is one of the best ways to keep track of them, and this journal will also be very useful to Dr. Kay when it comes to determining if diagnostic testing is necessary.
Ear Pain Treatment Recovery
This depends on the cause. It could be immediate or take several weeks depending on the source of the pain.
How Much Does Ear Pain Treatment Cost?
That will depend on the reason for your ear pain. Infections are relatively inexpensive to treat while injuries to the ear could require multiple office visits or even surgery. Our services are typically covered by insurance, so we will work with you to determine your benefits. We also have a number of options to help you pay any remaining balance. For your convenience, we accept:
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Major credit cards
- CareCredit® financing
Is Ear Pain Treatment Right For Me?
Ear pain is one condition you should not attempt to treat yourself. It could indicate a serious problem, which is why you should seek medical attention instead. Even if your discomfort is relatively moderate, it’s better to err on the safe side and contact Princeton Otolaryngology Associates.
Why Choose Princeton Otolaryngology Associates for Ear Pain Treatment?
Dr. Scott Kay is widely regarded as one of the leading ear, nose and throat doctors in the state, and has been named “Top Doctor of New Jersey” for the past 15 years. He has delivered numerous presentations to personnel at Princeton University’s Medical Center and is also an adjunct professor at the Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine.
What to Expect During Your Consultation for Ear Pain Treatment
Dr. Kay will begin by looking at your ears with an an operating microscope, which allows him to view the outer and middle ear much better than an ordinary otoscope. Your vital signs will also be taken, as this will help determine whether or not an infection is present. Your mouth, throat, and nose may be examined as well.
Ear Pain FAQs
Yes, in many cases ear pain can develop without an underlying infection especially if there is no change in hearing. Most often this is due a problem with the jaw joint or the surrounding muscles and tendons of the jaw. Changes in middle ear pressure may also lead to ear pain but that typically occurs with dramatic changes such as descending in an airplane.
Yes, home remedies like a warm, moist compress on the ear and the use of over-the-counter pain medications can help ear pain. However, if you are experiencing severe pain or difficulty hearing, it’s best to seek medical care.
Most mild cases of ear pain resolve on their own within a few days. However, it’s not uncommon for ear pain to last several weeks or longer. If you are experiencing ear pain for an extended period of time, you may want to consult your doctor.
If left untreated, ear infections can worsen and begin to cause serious health problems. These include hearing loss, meningitis and a chronically draining ear.
Your ear pain might be serious if you are also experiencing hearing loss, ringing in the ears, ear discharge, or if your pain fails to improve after 48 hours. In these cases, you should seek the attention of a doctor.
There’s no need to suffer from ear pain, when some of the best care in the region is readily available. Contact Dr. Scott Kay of Princeton Otolaryngology Associates in the Central New Jersey area to schedule your consultation. We see patients throughout the Central New Jersey area, including the communities of Princeton, Monroe and Plainsboro.
