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Symptom Checker
Step 4: Read and complete the decision guide to learn more about your symptoms.
Earache in Adults
Pain in the ear from nerve irritation can be caused by a viral infection, such as herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles). These herpes viruses are not the sexually transmitted herpes viruses.
If you get a rash on your scalp or face that looks like little water blisters, a herpes infection in the nerve is the probable cause of ear pain.
Do you have a rash on your scalp or face?
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