Can TMJ cause ear infections. How to differentiate between TMJ ear pain and ear infections. What are the most effective treatments for TMJ-related ear discomfort. When should you see a doctor for persistent ear pain.

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure that connects your jawbone to your skull. Located just 0.5 centimeters from your ear canal, this joint plays a crucial role in various everyday activities such as speaking, chewing, yawning, and swallowing. When the TMJ becomes damaged or inflamed, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including ear pain and discomfort.

The close proximity of the TMJ to the ear explains why TMJ disorders can often be mistaken for ear infections or other ear-related issues. Understanding the anatomy and function of this joint is essential for properly diagnosing and treating TMJ-related ear pain.

Key Facts About the TMJ:

• Connects the lower jawbone (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull
• Located on both sides of the head, just in front of the ears
• Allows for complex jaw movements in multiple directions
• Surrounded by a network of muscles, ligaments, and nerves
• Dysfunction can lead to a variety of symptoms, including ear pain

Common Causes of TMJ-Related Ear Pain

TMJ disorders can arise from various factors, leading to ear pain and other associated symptoms. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and early intervention.

Overuse and Strain

Excessive jaw movements, such as those involved in loud talking, singing, or frequent gum chewing, can put undue stress on the TMJ. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and pain that radiates to the ears.

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Grinding or clenching teeth, especially during sleep, is a common cause of TMJ disorders. This habit puts significant pressure on the joint and surrounding muscles, potentially leading to ear pain and other symptoms.

Dietary Factors

Consuming hard or chewy foods regularly can strain the TMJ. Foods that require excessive jaw movement or force to eat may contribute to TMJ issues over time.

Physical Trauma

Injuries to the head, neck, or jaw can damage the TMJ or displace the disc within the joint. Even seemingly minor impacts can sometimes lead to long-lasting TMJ problems.

Degenerative Joint Conditions

Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the TMJ, causing inflammation and degradation of the joint tissues. This can result in chronic pain and discomfort in the jaw and ear area.

Distinguishing TMJ Ear Pain from Ear Infections

One of the challenges in diagnosing TMJ-related ear pain is its similarity to symptoms of ear infections. Both conditions can cause discomfort in and around the ear, making it difficult for individuals to determine the true source of their pain.

Shared Symptoms

TMJ disorders and ear infections can both present with:

• Ear pain (ranging from dull aches to sharp, shooting pains)
• Pressure or fullness in the ear
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Hearing difficulties
• Headaches

Key Differences

While there is significant overlap in symptoms, certain characteristics can help differentiate between TMJ disorders and ear infections:

1. Location of Pain: TMJ pain is typically felt in front of or below the ear, while ear infection pain is usually felt inside the ear.
2. Associated Symptoms: TMJ disorders often come with jaw pain, clicking sounds when opening the mouth, and difficulty chewing. Ear infections may be accompanied by fever, fluid drainage, and balance issues.
3. Duration: TMJ pain tends to be more chronic, while ear infections usually resolve within a week or two with proper treatment.
4. Trigger Factors: TMJ pain may worsen with jaw movement or stress, whereas ear infection pain is generally constant.

Comprehensive Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

While ear pain is a common symptom of TMJ disorders, it’s often accompanied by a range of other signs and symptoms. Recognizing these can help in identifying TMJ issues more accurately.

Jaw-Related Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness in the jaw
• Difficulty or discomfort when chewing
• Clicking, popping, or grating sounds when opening or closing the mouth
• Jaw locking or limited jaw movement

Facial and Head Symptoms

• Facial pain or aching
• Headaches, particularly in the temples
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Dizziness or vertigo

Ear-Related Symptoms

• Ear pain or aching
• Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
• Sense of fullness in the ears
• Hearing changes or muffled hearing

Other Associated Symptoms

• Sleep disturbances
• Toothaches (unrelated to dental problems)
• Changes in the way upper and lower teeth fit together

Effective Treatment Options for TMJ Ear Pain

Managing TMJ-related ear pain often involves a multifaceted approach, combining various treatment modalities to address both symptoms and underlying causes.

Conservative Treatments

For many individuals, conservative treatments can provide significant relief:

• Rest and Relaxation: Avoiding excessive jaw movements and practicing stress-reduction techniques
• Hot and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the jaw area
• Gentle Jaw Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises recommended by a healthcare professional
• Massage: Gentle massage of the jaw muscles to relieve tension

Medicinal Treatments

Various medications can help manage pain and inflammation associated with TMJ disorders:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Muscle relaxants (prescription required)
• Tricyclic antidepressants for pain relief and improved sleep
• Corticosteroid injections for severe cases

Dental Interventions

Dental treatments can address underlying issues contributing to TMJ problems:

• Mouthguards or splints to prevent teeth grinding and reduce pressure on the TMJ
• Dental work to correct bite issues
• Orthodontic treatment to improve jaw alignment

Advanced Therapies

For persistent or severe cases, more advanced treatments may be considered:

• Physical therapy to improve jaw function and reduce pain
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief
• Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation
• Trigger point injections to relax tense jaw muscles

Surgical Options

Surgery is typically considered a last resort for TMJ disorders but may be necessary in some cases:

• Arthrocentesis: A minimally invasive procedure to remove debris and inflammatory byproducts from the joint
• Arthroscopy: A surgical procedure using small instruments and a camera to repair or reposition the joint
• Open joint surgery: For more complex cases requiring significant joint repair or replacement

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage TMJ Ear Pain

Adopting certain lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of developing TMJ disorders and help manage existing symptoms.

Dietary Adjustments

• Avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods that strain the jaw
• Cut food into smaller pieces to reduce the need for excessive chewing
• Incorporate more soft foods into your diet
• Limit caffeine intake, as it can increase muscle tension

Stress Management

• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Engage in regular exercise to reduce overall stress levels
• Consider counseling or therapy to address underlying stress or anxiety

Posture Improvement

• Maintain good posture throughout the day, especially when working at a desk
• Use ergonomic furniture and equipment to support proper alignment
• Take regular breaks to stretch and move around

Sleep Habits

• Ensure proper sleep posture with supportive pillows
• Consider using a nightguard if you grind your teeth during sleep
• Establish a consistent sleep schedule to improve overall health

When to Seek Professional Help for TMJ Ear Pain

While mild TMJ symptoms may resolve on their own or with home remedies, certain situations warrant professional medical attention.

Signs It’s Time to See a Doctor

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Inability to fully open or close your jaw
• Significant changes in your bite or jaw alignment
• Ongoing clicking or popping sounds accompanied by pain
• Development of new or worsening symptoms

Diagnostic Process

When you visit a healthcare provider for TMJ-related ear pain, you can expect:

1. A thorough medical history review
2. Physical examination of your jaw, head, and neck
3. Assessment of jaw movement and bite alignment
4. Possible imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans, or MRI) to visualize the joint
5. Referral to specialists if needed (e.g., dentists, oral surgeons, or ENT doctors)

Long-Term Management and Prognosis of TMJ Disorders

Understanding the long-term outlook for TMJ disorders can help individuals better manage their condition and set realistic expectations for recovery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for TMJ disorders varies depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Many people experience improvement with conservative treatments and lifestyle changes. However, some may require ongoing management or more intensive interventions.

Long-Term Management Strategies

• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor progress
• Adherence to prescribed treatment plans and lifestyle modifications
• Ongoing stress management and relaxation practices
• Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups
• Being mindful of jaw movements and avoiding excessive strain

Potential Complications

If left untreated, TMJ disorders can lead to:

• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression or anxiety related to chronic pain
• Wear and tear on teeth due to grinding or misalignment

By understanding the complexities of TMJ disorders and their relationship to ear pain, individuals can take proactive steps in managing their symptoms and seeking appropriate care. While TMJ-related ear pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat, a combination of medical interventions, lifestyle changes, and ongoing management can lead to significant improvements in quality of life for those affected by this condition.

How To Treat TMJ Ear Pain | Headache TMJ

Most ear pain is caused by an infection in the middle ear. However, if you don’t have symptoms of an infection and your ear pain has persisted for longer than a week, then it’s possible your ear pain is being caused by dysfunction in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

The TMJ is a joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. It’s used every time you move your mouth, like when you speak, chew, yawn, and swallow. Since the TMJ is located very close to your ear, it can cause ear pain or ear pressure when it’s damaged or inflamed.

How do you know whether your ear pain is caused by TMJ disorder or another type of ear problem?

Table of Contents

1. How To Treat TMJ Ear Pain
2. What is the TMJ?
3. Why TMJ Ear Pain Happens
4. TMJ Pain or Ear Infection?
1. Similar Symptoms of TMJ Ear Pain & Ear Infections
2. Ear Pain Symptoms that Are Different
3. Other Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction
5. How to Treat TMJ Ear Pain
1. Medicinal Treatment
2. Wearing a Mouthguard
3. Lifestyle Changes that Can Help Prevent TMJ Ear Pain
6. When to See a Doctor for TMJ Ear Pain
1. How a Doctor Will Diagnose TMJ Ear Pain
7. Contact a TMJ Doctor
8. TMJ Ear Pain FAQs

What is the TMJ?

To understand what the cause of ear pain may be, it is important to understand the physical structures surrounding your ear. The closest moving anatomical structure to an individual’s ear is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is located on each side of your head and connects your lower jawbone (mandible) with the bone on the side of your skull (temporal bone). These joints are located just under the ear canal and enables you to move your jaw forward, backward, and side-to-side. While ear pain may be the result of infection or trauma, joint pain in the TMJ can also cause significant pain or discomfort when it becomes damaged or inflamed.

Why TMJ Ear Pain Happens

Why does the TMJ cause ear pain when it’s not even a part of your ear?

Each of your TMJs are located just 0.5 centimeters from your ear canal. When the TMJ is strained, or the muscles surrounding it become irritated or inflamed, pain or pressure is registered by nerves that are connected to your ear. The TMJ is connected to a large web of nerves in your body, so you could also feel muscle pain or discomfort in your ears, head, face, neck, and shoulders.

What causes the TMJ to become swollen or irritated? Here are a few common causes:

• Overuse: Excessive yawning, loud talking, singing, and wide movements of your mouth puts stress on your TMJ.
• Teeth Grinding: Teeth grinding is one of the main causes of TMJ pain. Many people develop a habit of clenching or grinding their teeth when they’re stressed, and TMJ is often diagnosed in people who are struggling to cope with stress in healthy ways.
• Eating Hard Foods: You put stress on your TMJ when you eat too many hard or chewy foods.
• Physical Trauma: You might be feeling TMJ and ear pain if you’ve recently suffered physical trauma to your head or face. A blow to the head could have caused your TMJ to become swollen or it might have even displaced the disk.
• Degenerative Joint Disease – Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can impact the TMJ which degrades or inflames the tissues surrounding the joint.

You shouldn’t worry too much if you have occasional TMJ discomfort because it’s a somewhat common occurrence, however, treatment may be recommended for persistent or intense TMJ pain. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, TMJ pain affects roughly 5-12% of the population. It’s more common among young people and occurs in twice as many women as men.

TMJ Pain or Ear Infection?

Not all ear pain is the result of TMJ disorders. Usually, a middle ear infection (otitis media) is the most common cause of ear pain. A virus or bacteria spreads to the middle ear, which causes swelling and excess fluid. Your ear becomes clogged and puts pressure on the nerves and structures in your ear, which causes the ear pain. Ear infections often happen soon after a cold or flu.

However, ear infection symptoms are often similar to symptoms of a TMJ-related issue and nearly 75% of people with TMJ dysfunction report ear related pain or discomfort. While TMJ related ear pain is usually felt in front or below the ear and pain related to ear infections are typically felt inside the ear, differentiating the 2 problems can still be difficult due to their close proximity. How do you know which is causing your ear pain?

Similar Symptoms of TMJ Ear Pain & Ear Infections

You’ll experience the following symptoms with both an ear infection and a TMJ problem:

• Dull and aching or sharp and shooting ear pain
• Ear pressure
• Ringing in the ears (also known as tinnitus)
• A sensation that your ear is “full” or “clogged”
• Difficulty hearing
• Headaches

These symptoms may range from mild to severe.

Ear Pain Symptoms that Are Different

Here are symptoms or circumstances unique to ear infections:

• You’ll often feel pain inside your ear
• You currently have or recently recovered from a fever
• The area around your ear feels warm
• There’s discharge coming from your ear

Remember that ear infections usually occur after you’ve been sick, so if you’ve recently been ill then your ear pain is likely from an infection. The body often heals from viral infections on its own and your symptoms shouldn’t persist for more than a week or two.

Here are symptoms that may indicate your ear pain is caused by the TMJ:

• You feel pain in front of or below your ear, and not inside your ear
• Your pain sharpens when you move your mouth
• You are experiencing other TMJ related symptoms

If your doctor has confirmed that you don’t have an ear infection and your symptoms don’t resolve on their own or with antibiotics, then it’s possible your ear pain is being caused by your TMJ. 

Other Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Ear pain isn’t the only sign you’re suffering from a TMJ problem. These symptoms may also indicate TMJ dysfunction:

• There’s a clicking or popping sound when you open and close your mouth
• Your jaw locks when you move your mouth
• You have difficulty opening and closing your mouth
• There’s a ringing sound in your ear
• You feel pain behind your eyes
• You feel discomfort around your face and/or mouth
• You have neck and shoulder pain

Seeing a qualified TMJ doctor if you have one or more of these symptoms for more than a few days is recommended to determine if your source of ear pain is TMJ related.

How to Treat TMJ Pain in Ear

In most cases, TMJ ear pain is only temporary and can be relieved through a variety of treatment methods. These methods include:

• Medicinal Treatment
• Wearing a Mouthguard
• Lifestyle Changes
• Exercise and Stretches
• Change in Diet

Medicinal Treatment

Your doctor might prescribe anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants to relieve tenderness in the joint and reduce pain. Steroids like cortisone and prednisone are often effective in relieving TMJ ear pain.

Need quick relief while you’re waiting for your doctor’s appointment? Aspirin and ibuprofen can give you minor relief, and you can apply a heat pad to the area around your ear to help soothe the muscles around your TMJ.

Wearing a Mouthguard

Is your TMJ pain caused by teeth grinding? If so, then you could benefit from a mouthguard. Wearing a mouthguard while you sleep prevents your teeth from grinding together, realigns your jaw, and relieves tension on your TMJ.

Lifestyle Changes that Can Help Prevent TMJ Ear Pain

Your ear pain might be caused by your personal habits. Consider making small changes to your lifestyle to keep your TMJ in good shape. These changes might include:

• Finding healthy ways to reduce stress so you won’t grind or clench your teeth
• Practice maintaining a better posture (slouching or leaning can put stress on you TMJ)
• Avoid biting your lower lip and fingernails
• Limit how often you make big jaw movements
• Do facial exercises before activities like singing or lecturing
• Use an ice pack after doing activities with heavy jaw use
• Eat softer foods
• Eat foods that are less chewy

Changes in Diet

Hard foods and chewy foods put strain on your jaw and TMJ. These foods might include hard candy, chocolate bars, chewing gum, and frozen desserts. You also might get TMJ pain if you frequently chew on ice.

Opt for softer foods that are easier on your TMJ.

Exercise & Stretches

Facial exercises can help improve joint movement and strengthen the jaw and surrounding muscles. Over time, these exercises will lead to a healthy and painless joint.

You should not perform facial exercises if you’re experiencing extreme discomfort.

When you do a facial exercise, you might feel some resistance but there shouldn’t be any pain. The resistance should also improve the longer you do the exercise—stop doing the exercise if the resistance gets worse.

Jaw Muscle Relaxation Technique

Keep your upper teeth and lower teeth separated. Rest your tongue behind your upper teeth. This position allows your jaw to relax.

Rest on a Pen

Gently rest your front teeth on a pencil or pen. This is another position that allows your jaw to relax.

TMJ Muscle Stretch

Place your tongue on the roof of your mouth. Open your mouth slowly until your tongue is just barely touching the roof of your mouth. Hold for 15 seconds.

Side-to-Side Jaw Exercise

Open your mouth and slowly move your jaw from side to side, and stretch gently on each side.

Opening Jaw Exercise

Place your thumb under your chin. Open your mouth but use your thumb to give a little resistance. Open your mouth 10 times using resistance.

Closing Jaw Exercise

Place your hand against your chin and give a little downward resistance. Close your mouth 10 times using resistance.

When to See a Doctor for TMJ Ear Pain

Do not ignore your ear pain. Untreated TMJ may cause long-term issues like hearing loss or blocked eustachian tubes. See an orofacial specialist as soon as you can so the problem doesn’t get worse.

TMJ ear pain is a complex issue. Symptoms are diverse and may vary from case to case. An orofacial specialist can help you:

• Diagnose the problem
• Provide you with physical therapy
• Teach you strength-building exercises for your jaw and joints
• Prescribe medication to relieve swelling and pain
• Build a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding

In rare cases, surgery may be required to repair more significant joint damage. An orofacial specialist can help you sort through your options.

How a Doctor Will Diagnose TMJ Ear Pain

A TMJ problem is difficult to diagnose on your own (after all, quite difficult to look inside your own ear). It’s best to make an appointment with an orofacial doctor. The inspection is fast and simple.

1. First, the doctor will review your medical and dental history to make sure there’s no prior work or health episodes that may be contributing to the pain.
2. Then, the doctor will do a visual inspection of the problem areas. The doctor will look inside your ear to quickly verify whether or not there’s an ear infection, and then will look inside your mouth for signs of cracked or worn down teeth.
3. The doctor will listen to your jaw for popping or clicking sounds, and then feel your jaw and facial areas for swelling. If needed, additional diagnosis (like x-rays) will be run.

After running these inspections and exams, the doctor will be able to tell if your ear pain is caused by TMJ and, if so, what caused the irritation to begin with. Then they can recommend treatment so you can relieve your TMJ ear pain and related symptoms.

Contact a TMJ Doctor

If you think you’re suffering from TMJ ear pain, see an orofacial doctor as soon as possible so you can relieve your pain and prevent the condition from getting worse. Make an appointment with the Headache TMJ clinic in Los Angeles. Dr. Omrani and her team will figure out what’s causing your ear pain and provide you with treatment options so you can make a fast recovery.

TMJ Ear Pain FAQs

How do I get rid of ear pain from TMJ?

For mild TMJ related ear discomfort, over the counter pain medications and simple lifestyle changes may provide enough help to relieve symptoms. For more severe or persistent TMJ related ear pain or discomfort, a qualified orofacial pain doctor can help provide effective treatment options. These options may include more powerful medications including muscle relaxers or creating a personalized mouthguard.

What does TMJ ear pain feel like?

TMJ ear pain is usually identified by a sharp or throbbing pain felt below or in front of the ear accompanied by tinnitus, the sensation of ears fullness or difficulty hearing, headaches, pain or discomfort when moving the jaw, and possibly jaw popping.

How do I know if my ear pain is from TMJ?

Determining if ear pain is related to the TMJ usually requires that an ear infection be ruled out. This usually requires a physical inspection of the ear to determine if there is infection, but ear pain accompanied by localized warmth, fever, or discharge is usually indicative of ear infection.

Does TMJ ear pain go away?

Mild TMJ ear pain may fade if certain aggravating circumstances are reduced. This could include stress or certain activities like eating chewy foods or nail-biting. However, if TMJ related ear pain is persistent or severe, it is recommended that professional help is enlisted to determine the best treatment plan.

Ear Nose and Throat – Here’s When You Should See a Doctor for Ear Pain

While earaches are common ailments, they can really interfere with your life. Ear pain ranges from annoying to unbearable, and its causes vary — some concerning, some innocuous.

So, how do you know when to go to the doctor for ear pain?

Deciding whether to visit a doctor can be stressful. To help, we created this handy guide with some common causes of ear pain, what to watch for, and when to make that doctor’s appointment.

Common Misconceptions About Ear Pain

Contrary to popular belief, ear pain is not always caused by an ear infection.

Ear pain can come from many sources, like pressure fluctuations from flying or elevation changes, or from fluid buildup in your ear from a cold or allergies.

Ear pain is also very common with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. In fact, it’s the most common cause of ear pain among the patients we see here at ENT Associates of Lubbock.

Can Ear Pain Resolve on Its Own?

In many situations, ear pain resolves on its own within a couple of days. But if the source of the problem remains, the pain will persist.

For example, if your ear pain is due to congestion from a cold, it will likely go away when your cold symptoms subside. On the other hand, if you develop an ear infection, you’ll need treatment to take care of the problem. If the pain stems from ongoing TMJ issues, it could persist for much longer.

When Should I See a Doctor?

If you don’t know the underlying cause, it can be challenging to know when to go to the doctor for ear pain.

Most ear pain resolves within one to two days. If your pain persists past that, consult your general practitioner or ENT. If it lasts up to a week, seeing a doctor is even more important.

More often than not, ear pain has a simple cause and treatment — like an ear infection — but that’s not always the case. Persistent ear pain can sometimes have more sinister causes, like throat cancer. So, even if the discomfort doesn’t seem like a big deal, it’s always best to check in with your doctor and rule out anything serious.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Ear Pain?

Knowing the most common underlying causes can help you understand when to go to the doctor for ear pain and feel confident in your decision. To summarize, these are the three leading causes of ear pain:

Cause #1: Illness or Allergies

When you have a cold, allergies, or congestion caused by illness, fluid can build up behind your eardrum and cause an earache. The pain isn’t necessarily indicative of an ear infection, but it still hurts and can be very uncomfortable.

A sore throat can also cause ear pain even when the ear itself is perfectly fine. This is called referred pain, and should resolve along with the sore throat.

Ear pain from allergies or an illness should resolve on its own as the ailment improves. If it doesn’t, it’s time to see your doctor.

Cause #2: Pressure Changes

On an airplane, the air pressure changes rapidly and your ears don’t always acclimate fast enough. This results in a painful imbalance of pressure between the air behind your eardrum and the air around you.

The same problem can occur when you change elevation rapidly while driving in the mountains or scuba diving.

Ear pain from pressure changes usually resolves quickly, if not immediately. If it lasts beyond a day or two, however, it could indicate swelling or dysfunction related to your eustachian tubes — the little passages that help equalize pressure behind your ears. In that case, seeing a doctor can help.

Cause #3: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain

TMJ issues are common, and we see many patients who suffer from ongoing ear pain because of them. The temporomandibular joint is the joint on either side of your head that connects your jawbone to your skull. If you place your fingers just in front of your ears, you can feel the joint’s motion as you open and close your jaw.

TMJ syndrome — commonly referred to as TMJ — causes inflammation, irritation, and pain both in the joint and the surrounding areas. Since the ear canal is close to the temporomandibular joint, the swelling and inflammation can also cause ear pain.

Ear pain from TMJ is more difficult to address since TMJ is a long-term condition. While taking ibuprofen and applying heat can help, they don’t address the root cause.

Botox is a relatively new treatment for TMJ that’s showing great promise. It resolves symptoms for several months at a time, and may even reduce TMJ problems in the long term. If you want to explore Botox for TMJ, you’ll need to find a reputable doctor with the knowledge and experience to apply the treatment properly.

Final Thoughts on When to Go to the Doctor for Ear Pain

If you’re still unsure what to do about an earache, the adage “better safe than sorry” is a good rule to go by.

While ear infections are more common in children, they can happen in adults. If you have ear pain that’s severe or lasts more than a day or two, it’s best to get checked out. Your doctor can help determine the cause and provide the best treatment and recommendations for relief.

David Cuthbertson, MD

Dr. Cuthbertson is a physician at Ear Nose & Throat Associates of Lubbock. He joined the team at ENT Lubbock from Houston, where he was chief resident of the prestigious Bobby R. Alford Department of Otolaryngology at Baylor College of Medicine. He is board certified in Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery and has quickly built a reputation, not only as an extremely skilled surgeon, but as an approachable and compassionate clinician adept in the newest standards and technologies. Learn more about Dr. Cuthbertson.

Philip Scolaro, MD

Dr. Scolaro is a board-certified Otolaryngologist servicing the South Plains area. He has been practicing in Lubbock since 1990 and has earned a reputation as a skilled and experienced surgeon. He currently serves as the Medical Director for Covenant High Plains Surgery Center campuses, is a member of Covenant Health Partners and is an adjunct faculty professor for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Scolaro. 

ᐈ What causes ear infections and what are they?

Do you think that ear infections do not occur in adults? Indeed, ear diseases in children are more common: the reason is the anatomical difference in the shape and size of the Eustachian tube and the tube that connects the middle part of the ear and the back of the throat. However, an ear infection in adults is possible. These diseases account for less than 20% of all ear infections.

The disease is usually referred to as an infection of the middle ear (otitis media), however, the term is also applied to external ear infections – swimmer’s ear syndrome. In the article we will touch upon such aspects as symptoms, causes and prevention of inner ear disease.

Risk factors for ear infection

Inflammation of the ear tube (eustachitis) is more common in children, but can also occur in adults, being the main cause of otitis media. When the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly, fluid or bacteria build up in the middle of the tube and cause inflammation.

What causes eustachian tube dysfunction:

• seasonal allergic rhinitis;
• inflammation of the upper respiratory tract;
• diseases of the mucous membranes of the ears, nose, throat;
• enlarged adenoids or turbinate;
• weakened immune system;
• Craniofacial abnormalities causing weakness of the palatine muscles, such as the cleft palate.

Disease symptoms

Many of the diseases listed above contribute to recurrent or chronic infections. Identifying the cause of a relapse in a patient will help the doctor prescribe an effective treatment.

Compared to children, adults are more likely to experience symptoms such as pain, fluid, hearing loss, sore throat.

Other, non-specific symptoms of ear infection:

• fever;
• feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear;
• dizziness;
• cough;
• rhinitis.

Ear problems in adults can be bothersome and long-lasting. Be sure that with the right treatment, which will be provided by experienced doctors, the disease will quickly recede.

Diagnosing the problem

If a patient had recurrent ear problems as a child and continued into adulthood, they may develop complications related to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The attending physician should examine the head and neck. As part of the examination, he can perform nasopharyngoscopy (placement of an optical device in the nasal cavity to study the nasal passages, throat, palate).

Standard diagnostics includes examining organs with an otoscope. When inflamed, the eardrum will appear red, cloudy, and enlarged. If fluid has accumulated in the ear canal, the eardrum will become cloudy and yellow.

The doctor can assess if there is a hearing loss using a tuning fork. If the patient has a conductive hearing loss associated with an adult ear infection, the sound of the tuning fork in the ear will be louder than usual.

Treatments

Inflammation is most effectively treated with antibiotics. The dosage of tablets depends on the severity of the disease. In any case, the treatment of an infection in the ear should be handled by a doctor. You should not select drugs on your own – this can only harm yourself.

What if the disease is not curable?

If after several stages of treatment the disease persists, the doctor will prescribe an additional course of antibiotics and evaluate the possibility of ear tube surgery. If the patient has a rupture of the eardrum or a sulfur plug, the doctor will prescribe special drops to the patient.

If the disease recurs, a doctor may order a CT scan or MRI to look for a catalyst. Enlarged bones inside the nose, enlarged adenoids or polyps may be removed or reduced in size as a result of surgery.

To prevent the recurrence of the disease it is worth:

• avoid inhalation of cigarette smoke;
• use an anti-edema remedy for a cold or before flying;
• refuse to clean the ear canal from wax with cotton swabs or other items.

Complications of the disease

The most common consequence of an infection is damage to the eardrum. Other options for ill health:

• facial paralysis;
• labyrinthitis;
• hearing loss;
• petrositis – inflammation of the temporal bone of the skull.

If the disease recurs, contact your doctor and find out what needs to be done to prevent complications.