Cannot eat and talk due to pain in your ear? you’re not alone. In this article, I will mention some causes of why does your ear hurt?
I faced the same issue three months back and while researching this, I found some hidden causes that everyone doesn’t know. I guess I should share them with you people as well so that, when you go to consult some doctor, you know the reason very well.
Contents
Ear pain is a common complaint, and there can be many reasons why it happens. In most cases, ear pain is caused by an infection, either in the outer ear or middle ear. Other causes of ear pain include Sinusitis, Allergies, Swimmers ear, and Aural Trauma. Most of these causes can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines.
Ear Infection Vs Ear Ache
It’s essential to know the difference between an ear infection and an earache because the two conditions require different types of treatment.
1- Ear Infections
An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear. The middle ear is the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny bones of the ear. It is a common condition that can affect people of all ages.
Ear infections often occur after a cold or upper respiratory infection. Symptoms of an ear infection may include pain, trouble hearing, drainage from the ear, or fever.
It is usually caused by a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which can become infected.
Ear infections are often painful and can cause hearing loss. In some cases, they can also lead to serious complications.
2- Ear Ache
An earache is a pain in or around the ear. It can be caused by many things, including an infection, wax buildup, or even a toothache. Earaches are common in both children and adults.
There are many home remedies that can help relieve the pain, but some earaches may require medical treatment.
When To See a Doctor If You Have An Infection
If you have an earache that lasts longer than two days, is accompanied by a fever, or is severe, you should see a doctor.
Other signs that you should see a doctor for an ear infection include fluid draining from the ear, hearing loss, and pain in the jaw or face. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
Causes Of Ear Pain
There are many potential causes of ear pain, but some of the most common include:
1. Due to earwax
One of the reasons for ear pain may be a buildup of earwax. It protects your ears from water and keeps them free of dirt and dust.
But sometimes ear wax can build up, causing problems like hearing loss, itchiness, and pain. It can also cause pain and discomfort. If you think you have a buildup of earwax, there are a few things you can do to remove it.
- One popular method is using an earwax removal kit, which usually comes with a small syringe or bulb.
- Another is using a cotton swab to gently remove the wax but if it becomes hardened, then don’t use a swab and immediately consult a doctor.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to be careful you don’t want to damage your delicate ear canal!
2. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare condition that causes severe pain in the throat, neck, and ear. The pain is caused by pressure on the glossopharyngeal nerve, which runs from the base of the brain to the throat.
GPN is often mistaken for other conditions, such as tonsillitis or ear infection. Treatment for GPN typically includes medication and surgery.
3. Ear pain due to ear damage
One of the most common causes of ear pain is damage to the eardrum.
The eardrum is a thin piece of tissue that separates the middle ear from the outer ear. It vibrates when sound waves hit it and send these vibrations to the bones of the middle ear, which then amplify the sound and send it to the inner ear.
Damage to the eardrum can occur due to a number of things, including loud noise exposure, a foreign object entering the ear, or changes in air pressure (such as when flying).
Symptoms of a damaged eardrum include pain, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and drainage from the ear.
4. Due to Air pressure
For many people, ear pain is a common occurrence due to changes in air pressure. When the pressure outside of your eardrum changes, it can cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss. However, there are ways to help relieve the pain.
One way to help reduce ear pain is by chewing gum. Chewing gum helps equalize the pressure in your ears by helping to open up the Eustachian tubes. This can help relieve the pain and discomfort that you may be feeling.
Another way to reduce ear pain is by yawning or swallowing frequently. This also helps to open up the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears.
If you are still having trouble, you can try using a decongestant spray or drops before take-off and landing.
5. Swimmers ear
Swimmers ear is a condition that can be caused by water getting trapped in the ear canal. When this happens, it can cause pain and irritation. There are a few things that you can do to prevent swimmer’s ear, such as:
- Avoid swimming in dirty or polluted water
- Keep your ears dry after swimming
- Use earplugs or swim caps to keep water out of your ears
- Don’t put objects in your ears
If you think you might have a swimmer’s ear, it’s important to see a doctor so that it can be treated properly. Left untreated, the swimmer’s ear can lead to serious complications.
6. Due to a Middle ear infection
Sometimes pain in your ears could be due to a middle ear infection. This type of infection is caused by bacteria or a virus and can occur in both children and adults.
Symptoms of a middle ear infection include ear pain, fever, headaches, and fluid draining from the affected ear.
If left untreated, a middle ear infection can lead to serious complications, such as hearing loss or meningitis. If you think you may have a middle ear infection, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
7. Due to toothache (Jaw disorder)
Some people experience ear pain due to toothache. The pain is caused by the nerves in the teeth and jawbone. It can also be caused by cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, or even an injury to the mouth.
If you have a toothache, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
8. Due to sinusitis
Ear pain may be due to sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and can be caused by a variety of things, including viruses, bacteria, allergies, and environmental irritants.
The most common symptoms of sinusitis are nasal congestion, runny nose, facial pain or pressure, and decreased sense of smell.
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes and get the proper treatment.
9. Peritonsillar abscess
Most people think of ear pain as coming from the ear itself. However, pain in or around the ear can also be caused by problems with the jaw, teeth, gums, nerves, or blood vessels in the head. One particularly painful condition that can cause ear pain is a peritonsillar abscess.
A peritonsillar abscess is a collection of pus that forms in the tissues around the tonsils. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection, such as strep throat.
The infection causes the tissues to swell and eventually rupture, allowing pus to build up in the space around the tonsils. This can cause severe pain and make it difficult to swallow or breathe.
If you think you may have a peritonsillar abscess, it is essential to see a doctor right away.
10. Eagle syndrome
Eagle syndrome is a condition that results in pain in the ears due to the overgrowth of bone in the middle ear bones or the styloid process, which is a small bone located at the base of the skull.
The condition is named after Dr. Chester Eagle, who first described it in medical literature in 1963. The symptoms of Eagle syndrome include ear pain, tenderness or fullness in the ears, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The condition is caused by the
Treatment for Eagle syndrome typically involves surgery to remove the excess bone growth.
11. Due to face mask
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, face masks have become an essential part of everyday life. However, for some people, wearing a face mask can cause ear pain.
There are a few reasons why face masks can cause ear pain.
- First, the elastic bands that hold the mask in place can put pressure on the ears.
- Second, the mask itself can rub against the ears, causing irritation.
- Third, if the mask is too tight, it can restrict blood flow to the ears and lead to pain.
There are a few ways to prevent or reduce ear pain from face masks.
- First, make sure that the elastic bands are not too tight.
- Use a Mask extender to avoid ear pain due to the face mask.
- Third, adjust the position of the mask so that it doesn’t rub against your ears.
- Forth, try wearing a different mask, such as softer fabric or different straps.
12. Due to tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a condition that can cause ear pain. The tonsils are located in the back of the throat and can become inflamed.
This can cause a buildup of pressure in the ears and can lead to pain. Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection, but it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment for tonsillitis typically includes antibiotics.
13. Due to TMJ
One of the major causes of ear pain is TMJ. This is a condition that can be caused by a number of things, including clenching or grinding your teeth, injury to the jaw, or arthritis.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a number of symptoms, including pain in the ears, jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and clicking or popping sounds when you move your jaw.
If you think you may have TMJ, it’s important to see a doctor or dentist so they can diagnose and treat the condition.
Treatment options include wearing a mouth guard at night to prevent tooth grinding, physical therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the jaw, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Final Thoughts: Why Does My Ear Hurt
In conclusion, there are many reasons why your ear might hurt. It could be because of an infection, an injury, or something else entirely.
If you’re not sure what’s causing the pain, it’s best to see a doctor to get a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Can COVID-19 Cause Ear Pain When Swallowing?
There is no evidence that Covid-19 can cause ear pain when swallowing. However, if you experience any ear pain, it is important to see a doctor to rule out other causes.
Why Does My Ear Hurt When I Chew or Yawn?
There are a few reasons why your ear might hurt when you chew or yawn.
- One possibility is that you have a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), which affects the joints that connect your jaw to your skull.
- Another possibility is that you have an ear infection.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your pain, it’s best to see a doctor so they can give you a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Why Do My Throat, Ear, and Jaw Hurt?
There are a few reasons why your throat, ear, and jaw might be hurting.
- One possibility is that you have an infection, such as a cold or the flu.
- Another possibility is that you have a more serious infection, such as tonsillitis. If you have an infection, you might also have a fever.
- The third possibility is that you have TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
Why Does My Earbone Hurt?
There are a few reasons why your earbone might hurt. It could be due to an infection, inflammation, or injury.
If you have an infection, you may need antibiotics to clear it up. If you have inflammation, you may need anti-inflammatory medication. And if you have an injury, you may need to see a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
Why Does My Ear Hurt COVID?
There are a few reasons why your ear might hurt if you have COVID-19.
One possibility is that the virus has caused inflammation in the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. This can lead to pain and pressure in the ear.
Additionally, COVID-19 can cause a fever, and sometimes ear pain can be associated with a fever.
Why Does My Ear Hurt Constantly?
There are a few reasons why your ear might hurt constantly. It could be an infection, an injury, or something else entirely.
If you’re concerned, it’s best to see a doctor to find out what’s causing the pain.
Why Does My Ear Hurt Cold?
There are a few reasons why your ear might hurt when it’s cold.
- One possibility is that you have an ear infection.
- Another possibility is that you have Eustachian tube dysfunction, which means that the tubes that connect your middle ear to your throat are not working properly. This can happen when you have a cold or allergies.
Why Does My Ear Cartilage Hurt?
There are a few reasons why your ear cartilage might hurt. It could be due to an injury, an infection, or even just pressure on the cartilage from wearing headphones or glasses. If the pain is severe, it’s best to see a doctor to rule out any serious problems.
Why Does My Ear Concha Hurt?
There are a few reasons why your ear concha might hurt. It might be because you have an ear infection. Another possibility is that you have a buildup of earwax, which can cause irritation. Finally, it is also possible that you have a foreign object lodged in your ear, which can also cause pain.
If the pain is severe, or if you are having trouble hearing, you should see a doctor to rule out any serious problems.
Why Does My Ear Canal Hurt?
There are a few reasons why your ear canal might hurt.
It could be due to an infection, inflammation, or a foreign object lodged in the ear. If you suspect you have an infection, you should see a doctor.
If you suspect you have inflammation, you can try using a warm compress on the affected ear. If you suspect there is a foreign object in your ear, do not try to remove it yourself; instead, see a doctor.