Ear Conditions

Things to know about hot ears

Explore red and hot ears in adults and children: Causes, the rare red ear syndrome, and when to seek medical attention.

Reviewed by

Amplifon Experts

Book an appointment Start the online hearing test

Hot and red ears syndrome: causes and symptoms in adults and children

Learn more about what might cause redness in the ears, also known as hot ears, in both children and adults. If you have questions about your hearing health, feel free to visit a hearing care professional at Amplifon.If you suspect you are experiencing hearing loss, you can test your hearing ability in just 3 minutes with our online hearing test.

Visit your local clinic for more information

Locate me

What is the meaning of hot (burning) ears?

Hot, red and swollen ears can happen to anyone and it can brought on by several causes. Generally, it can be a result of a sudden increase in blood flow due to an abrupt change in temperature, excessive consumption of alcohol or spicy food, hormonal fluctuations (hot flushes during menopause, for example) or as a side effection to medication.

Red ears can occur in both adults and children in various degrees of severity. One particular form of red ears is red ear syndrome, which you will learn more about below.

Possible causes: Why your ears might be hot

In some cases, heat, cold, or rubbing the ear may bring on symptoms. In others, the redness and burning may occur spontaneously. There are several reasons one's ears may heat up or turn red, below we will look more closely at a few possible causes.

Infections

Bacterial infections on the skin can be a probably cause. Cracks and fissures, insect bites or cuts are often the gateway for microbes and bacteria which can trigger an inflammatory reaction. In this case, the person may also experience an earache as well as other systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes.

Eczema and dermatitis

Certain eczemas and dermatitides can trigger skin inflammations. When experiencing sebhoritic dermatitis, the skin around the affected area can become red and itchy, and scales and small white patches that extend to the middle ear may also appear on the skin.

When suffering from this skin condition, the person may also experience similar symptoms on other areas of the skin: the scalp, groin, armpits and any area with a lot of sebaceous glands.

Emotional reasons

A person's ears can often get warm and turn red due to strong emotions, such as stress, anxiety, shyness and anger. These emotional responses can trigger vasodilation along with sudden, intense redness of the face, neck and ears that lasts for a few minutes. Another possible cause can be sunburn or excessive sun exposure of the affected area.

Rarer causes

Hot and red ears can also be also be associated with other systemic diseases. Although quite uncommon, this symptom can be a result of recurrent polychondritis, a rare rheumatic autoimmune disease that affects the cartilage of the ear, or perichondritis of the ear, an inflammation of the pinna of the ear due to blaunt trauma (including from a piercing) or insect bites.

Infection from earring or piercing

Although ear piercing is often performed in licensed centers that follow strict sanitary standards, infections can still occur. In such instances, it's important to take the appropriate steps to address the issue. Let's explore some of the best ways to treat an infected ear piercing.

Have your hearing tested

Regular hearing health checks can also help detect hearing loss early on and prevent it from getting worse over time. Visit the Amplifon clinic nearest to you for a thorough hearing evaluation and learn more about the best ways to protect your hearing.

Book an appointment online Find your nearest clinic

Rare condition: The red ear syndrome

Red Ear Syndrome is a rather rare condition, also known as erythromelalgia of the ears. This condition is caused by rapid and intense dilatation of the small arteries of the ears. Symptoms include severe burning of the ears and redness. This condition often manifests in one ear and lasts from a few minutes to several hours.

Symptoms

In some cases, these symptoms occur spontaneously and for no apparent reason. In other cases, however, the redness and burning seem to be triggered by rubbing the ear, by heat or by cold.

Possible causes

The root cause of this syndrome is not clear; it may be due to an idiopathic origin (i.e., an unknown cause) or it may manifest as a secondary symptom of other diseases, such as spinal cord disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis or venous hypertension.

Book an appointment to find out more Book a FREE hearing test

Things to know about red ears in children

Redness, hot ears and swelling can be a symptom of a handful of diseases that can manifest in children. The combination of high fever and swollen ears can be a symptom of parotitis, or mumps, the sixth exanthematic disease or an acute external ear infection, to name a few.

Detect ear ache as soon as possible

As young children and newborns cannot verbally communicate their discomfort, it is important to observe their behaviour and gestures, as they may indicate the type and severity of pain they may be experiencing. Constant touching of the ears as well as irritability and inconsolable crying may be an indication that they are experiencing these symptoms.

When should you see a doctor?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to consult a specialist as soon as possible so you can receive adequate treatment. If your disease has not been diagnosed by a doctor, it is best to avoid resorting to at-home remedies, such as cold or warm ear compresses, ear rinses, or topical ointments, as this may trigger further symptoms.

a woman looking at herself through a mirror

We're here to help.

We take the time to understand your hearing health and the impact it’s having on your life and the people closest to you. With approximately 350 Amplifon clinics we can ensure that we can support you when you need us most. Whether you need a FREE hearing test, or a hearing aid adjustment, our audiologists will provide you with expert, professional advice.

Book a free hearing check Find an Amplifon clinic

FAQ

Why are my ears hot?

Hot ears can result from increased blood flow due to stress, physical activity, or environmental factors like temperature changes. They can also be caused by inflammation or infections in the ear.

Why is my ear hot all of a sudden?

Sudden warmth in the ear may occur due to physical exertion, emotional stress, or an ear infection. If it’s accompanied by pain or discomfort, it could indicate an infection, and you should consult a healthcare provider.

Are hot ears a sign of fever?

While hot ears alone are not necessarily a sign of fever, they can sometimes occur alongside a fever due to an infection. If you experience additional symptoms like chills or body aches, check your temperature and seek medical advice.

How to cool down hot ears?

To cool down hot ears, apply a cool, damp cloth or a cold compress to the affected area. If the heat is caused by an infection or inflammation, it’s advisable to consult a doctor for proper treatment.

Consult with a qualified hearing care professional

Name:*

Phone: *

Postcode: *

Fields marked with * are mandatory.

Accept terms and privacy policy.

Thank you

You will be contacted shortly by our team to book your appointment

Get support and advice

Request an appointment

Book now

Take an online hearing test

Take the test

Find a clinic near you

Find a clinic