If you’ve ever caught a cold and felt pressure or pain in one or both ears, you’re not alone. Ear discomfort is a common symptom that can appear during (or even after) a cold. While mild ear pain doesn’t always mean you have an infection, it can sometimes signal that fluid buildup or bacteria have caused something more serious. In this blog, we’ll explore what’s really happening when your ears hurt during a cold, how to tell if it’s an infection, and when to see a medical provider.
For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9! We’re conveniently located at 111-117 Spring Street in Elizabeth, NJ. Simply walk in or plan your visit in advance below.
Why Does a Cold Cause Ear Pain?
A common cold is a viral infection that primarily affects your upper respiratory tract- including your nose, sinuses, and throat. When these areas become inflamed and congestion, it can impact the Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to the back of your throat. These small tubes help balance air pressure and drain fluid from the ear. During a cold, they can become blocked with mucus or swelling, causing pressure buildup and discomfort. This often leads to:
- Dull ear pain or fullness
- Popping or crackling sensations
- Temporary hearing loss of muffled hearing
- Ringing or mild dizziness
This type of ear pain is usually temporary and tends to improve as your congestion clears.
When Ear Pain Might Indicate an Infection
While most ear pain during a cold is due to pressure and inflammation, sometimes fluid trapped behind the eardrum can lead to a bacterial infection called otitis media (middle ear infection). This is more common in children but can also occur in adults- especially after a prolonged or severe cold.
Signs your ear pain may be caused by an infection include:
- Sharp or worsening ear pain
- Persistent pressure or fullness that doesn’t improve
- Fluid or pus draining from the ear
- Fever or chills
- Hearing loss that lasts more than a few days
- Pain that worsens when lying down
If you experience these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit an urgent care center. A healthcare provider can examine your ear, determine if an infection is present, and prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
How Long Ear Pain From a Cold Lasts
Mild ear discomfort from congestion usually improves within a few days to a week, as the cold symptoms fade and the Eustachian tubes clear up. However, if fluid remains trapped in the ear, it can cause pressure or mild pain for longer- even after your other cold symptoms are gone. If ear pain lasts more than 7 to 10 days, or if it gets worse after initial improvement, it may be a sign of a secondary infection that needs medical attention.
Home Remedies For Ear Pain Relief
If your ear pain seems mild and related to congestion, you can manage it with simple at-home remedies:
- Use a warm compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth over the affected ear to reduce pressure and soothe pain
- Stay hydrated: Drinking water and warm fluids helps thin mucus
- Try steam or humidifiers: Moist air can help open the Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure
- Use saline nasal sprays or decongestants: These can reduce nasal swelling and improve drainage
- Rest and recover: Your immune system needs energy to fight the viral infection
If your symptoms linger or worsen, it’s a good idea to visit urgent care. A medical provider can use an otoscope to look inside your ear and identify whether it’s a simple congestion issue or an infection requiring treatment. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and relieves discomfort faster.
Get Walk-In Ear Pain Relief at AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 in Elizabeth, NJ
Ear pain during a cold is often a temporary side effect of congestion and pressure- not necessarily an infection. However, if the pain is sharp, persistent, or accompanied by fever or fluid drainage, it may be time to see a healthcare provider. At AFC Urgent Care US Route 1-9 in Elizabeth, NJ, we can evaluate your symptoms, provide quick relief, and prescribe medication if an ear infection is present. Our team is dedicated to helping you feel better and get back to normal faster. We offer walk-in visits, on-site diagnostics, and expert providers with no appointment necessary. Just walk-in any day of the week! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the types of services we provide, please contact a member of our team directly at (908) 570-5801.
