What Can Cause Ear Pain?

The ear is a tiny thing, but when it hurts, it hurts big! If you’ve ever had an ear infection you no doubt remember it (and the pain) clearly. But how can you be sure if your ear pain is an ear infection or something else?  There are actually several reasons your ear may be hurting. Here are some common reasons for ear pain besides infection.

TMJ

The temporomandibular joint is just below the ear and connects the skull and the jaw. You can feel this joint at work if you touch just beneath your ear and open and close your mouth. Problems with this joint can cause jaw pain, facial pain, headaches, difficulty opening the mouth, and ear pain.

Tooth problems

An impacted molar, an abscess, a cavity, or even just a toothache can cause ear problems.

A cold or allergies

If you have allergies or a cold, fluid can build up in your ears and the resulting pressure in the ears can be very painful.

Ear wax

A little bit of ear wax can cause big problems. If it builds up, it can harden and block your ear canal. Let a doctor get out the wax instead of trying to take it out at home; you may push it in even farther and cause even more problems.

Tonsillitis

If you have a bad throat ache along with an earache, it may be tonsillitis.

Ear infections aren’t just for kids, although children are more likely to get them. Symptoms of an ear infection can include fever, trouble hearing, and even nausea and vomiting. The ear may be painful, tender, and swollen. An ear infection can result from respiratory problems caused by a cold or water that remains in the ear after swimming or bathing.

If you have persistent ear pain, it is important to have it taken care of as soon as possible. Whether your ear problem is an infection or something else, the staff at Lakeside Allergy Ear Nose and Throat can help. With offices in Rockwall and Forney we can help you find relief from your ear pain. Call (972) 771-5443 for an appointment today.