MODEL RELEASED. Earache. Woman holding her hand to her painful ear. Earache may originate in the ear itself or may result from a disorder in a nearby structure. The most common cause of earache is otitis media (infection of the middle ear), in which the pain is likely to be severe and stabbing. It may be accompanied by loss of hearing and a raised temperature. Another common ear disorder is otitis externa which is an inflammation of the outer ear canal. Analgesic (painkilling) drugs may be given to relieve the pain, and antibiotic drugs may be prescribed to treat any bacterial infection.