What are the common causes of ear and jaw pain. How do medical professionals diagnose TMJ disorders. What treatment options are available for managing ear and jaw discomfort. How can lifestyle changes alleviate symptoms associated with TMJ issues.

Understanding the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) and Its Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a crucial component of our facial structure, connecting the jawbone to the skull. When issues arise with this joint, it can lead to a condition known as TMJ disorder (TMJD), which often manifests as pain in the ear and jaw area. But what exactly is TMJD, and how prevalent is it?

TMJ disorders affect a significant portion of the population. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 5 to 10 percent of people experience TMJD symptoms. This translates to millions of individuals suffering from facial pain and ear discomfort due to inflammation and pain in the TMJ region.

Interestingly, there’s no standard definition for TMJ disorders. Healthcare providers typically diagnose TMJD by assessing several factors, including:

• Duration of joint and facial pain
• Difficulty in chewing
• Presence of joint sounds

It’s important to note that if symptoms persist for over three months, the condition is considered chronic. However, misdiagnosis can occur, with some patients being incorrectly labeled as having TMJD when they actually have other conditions like sleep apnea or fibromyalgia.

Common Causes of Ear and Jaw Pain

While TMJ disorders are a frequent culprit behind ear and jaw pain, they’re not the only potential cause. Let’s explore some other common reasons for discomfort in these areas:

Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

Swimmer’s ear, medically known as otitis externa, is a bacterial infection that can cause pain in both the ear and jaw. But how does it develop?

This condition typically occurs when water remains in the outer ear canal for an extended period, creating a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. Although anyone can develop swimmer’s ear, it’s most commonly seen in children. If left untreated, it can lead to severe consequences, including intensified ear and jaw pain.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is another potential cause of TMJ-related pain. This condition involves the unconscious clenching or grinding of teeth, either during waking hours or while asleep. But how does this seemingly harmless habit lead to ear and jaw pain?

Chronic teeth grinding can have several detrimental effects:

• Development of TMJ disorders
• Ear pain and jaw discomfort
• Teeth misalignment and erosion
• Adverse effects on muscles surrounding the jaws

Arthritis

Arthritis, a term encompassing over a hundred different disorders affecting joints and surrounding tissues, can also be a source of ear and jaw pain. How does arthritis impact the TMJ?

Two types of arthritis commonly associated with TMJ issues are:

1. Osteoarthritis: This results from wear and tear to the cartilage surrounding the joints, including the TMJ.
2. Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis: These autoimmune conditions can cause the immune system to attack the joints, leading to significant pain throughout the body, including the TMJ area.

Sinus Infections

Sinus infections can be a surprising source of ear and jaw pain. But how do issues in the sinuses affect these areas?

When the sinus cavities become filled with mucus due to conditions like the common cold, allergies, or eustachian tube dysfunction, it can lead to sinusitis and inflamed nasal passages. This inflammation can radiate to the ear and jaw regions, causing discomfort.

Poor Oral Health

Dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease can also contribute to ear and jaw pain. How does oral health impact these areas?

Without proper treatment, these conditions can lead to bacterial buildup, potentially resulting in severe complications. Ear and jaw pain is often one of the tell-tale signs of serious dental issues.

Recognizing Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

While ear and jaw pain are common symptoms of TMJ disorders, they’re not the only indicators. What other signs should you be aware of?

People suffering from TMJ disorders or dysfunction may experience:

• Ear ringing (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Jaw locking or clicking

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary among individuals and may not all be present in every case of TMJD.

Diagnostic Approaches for Ear and Jaw Pain

Given the variety of potential causes for ear and jaw pain, how do healthcare providers approach diagnosis?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of methods:

1. Physical examination: The healthcare provider will examine the jaw, neck, face, and mouth, checking for signs of tenderness, swelling, or abnormal movement.
2. Medical history review: This helps identify potential risk factors or underlying conditions that might contribute to the pain.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to get a detailed view of the jaw structure and surrounding tissues.
4. TMJ arthroscopy: In some cases, a small camera might be inserted into the joint space to evaluate the condition of the TMJ.

Healthcare providers may also use specific diagnostic criteria, such as the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Treatment Options for TMJ-Related Ear and Jaw Pain

Once a diagnosis is made, what treatment options are available for managing ear and jaw pain related to TMJ disorders?

Treatment approaches can vary depending on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Conservative treatments:
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers
  • Hot or cold compresses
  • Soft diet
  • Jaw exercises and stretches
• Dental interventions:
  • Oral splints or mouth guards
  • Dental work to correct bite issues
• Physical therapy:
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Massage
• Medications:
  • Prescription pain relievers
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Injections:
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Botox injections
• Surgery (in severe cases):
  • Arthrocentesis
  • Arthroscopy
  • Open-joint surgery

It’s important to note that treatment plans are often individualized based on the specific needs and condition of each patient.

Lifestyle Modifications to Alleviate TMJ Symptoms

In addition to medical treatments, what lifestyle changes can help manage TMJ-related ear and jaw pain?

Several lifestyle modifications can contribute to symptom relief:

• Stress management: Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can help reduce jaw tension.
• Posture improvement: Maintaining good posture, especially when working at a desk, can alleviate strain on the jaw and neck.
• Dietary adjustments: Avoiding hard or chewy foods can reduce stress on the TMJ.
• Sleep hygiene: Using a supportive pillow and avoiding sleeping on your stomach can help maintain proper jaw alignment during sleep.
• Avoiding jaw-straining habits: Consciously stopping habits like nail-biting, pen-chewing, or excessive gum-chewing can reduce TMJ stress.

Implementing these lifestyle changes alongside medical treatments can significantly improve the management of TMJ-related symptoms.

Prevention Strategies for TMJ Disorders

While not all cases of TMJ disorders are preventable, are there steps one can take to reduce the risk of developing these conditions?

Several preventive measures can help maintain TMJ health:

1. Practice good posture: Maintaining proper alignment of your spine, including your neck and head, can reduce strain on the TMJ.
2. Manage stress: Since stress can lead to jaw clenching and teeth grinding, finding effective stress management techniques is crucial.
3. Avoid extreme jaw movements: Be mindful of activities that involve opening your mouth very wide or putting excessive pressure on your jaw.
4. Maintain dental health: Regular dental check-ups and addressing any bite issues promptly can prevent TMJ problems.
5. Use proper support while sleeping: Ensure your pillow provides adequate support for your head and neck.
6. Be aware of jaw positioning: Try to keep your teeth slightly apart and your tongue resting on the roof of your mouth when not eating or speaking.

By incorporating these preventive strategies into daily life, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of developing TMJ disorders and associated ear and jaw pain.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear and Jaw Pain

Given the various potential causes of ear and jaw pain, how can one determine when it’s time to consult a healthcare professional?

It’s advisable to seek medical attention if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting more than a few days
• Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth completely
• Clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint accompanied by pain
• Swelling in the face or jaw area
• Changes in your bite or the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
• Unexplained headaches or neck pain accompanying jaw discomfort
• Ear symptoms like ringing, fullness, or hearing changes along with jaw pain

Early intervention can often lead to more effective treatment and prevent the condition from worsening. Healthcare providers can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Discover the causes of ear and jaw pain

The ears and jaw are two distinct parts of the body located close to one another. When pain presents in the two areas simultaneously, it either indicates an issue that directly affects both sites, or it could be pain that radiates to the ear and jaw area but originates elsewhere. 

Here are some of the most common underlying causes of ear and jaw pain:

Most common causes of ear and jaw pain

Ear and jaw pain is often linked to TMJ disorders (TMJD). To better understand what these disorders entail, it is important to know what TMJ is. The temporomandibular joint is the joint of the jaw and is commonly referred to as TMJ. The name of the joint comes from the two bones that form the joint, the upper temporal bone part of the skull and the lower jawbone or mandible. 

According to data published by the National Institute of Health, 5 to 10 percent of the population suffers from temporomandibular disorder (TMJ disorder), causing millions to endure TMJ symptoms such as facial pain and ear discomfort due to inflammation and pain. Interestingly, there is no standard definition for the disorder. Instead, doctors diagnose the condition by assessing certain factors such as joint and facial pain duration, difficulty chewing, and the presence of joint sounds. 

If your symptoms have persisted for over three months, your condition is considered chronic. Unfortunately, healthcare providers sometimes incorrectly diagnose patients as having the disorder, while they actually have something completely different, such as sleep apnea or fibromyalgia. 

Swimmer’s ear is often implicated and blamed for the symptoms of simultaneous ear and jaw pain. Swimmer’s ear – or otitis externa – is a bacterial infection typically caused by water that stays in the outer ear canal for an extended period, providing a moist environment for bacteria to grow. Although anyone can get a swimmer’s ear, it is most commonly seen in children.

It is recommended to seek help from a healthcare provider because leaving the condition untreated can lead to severe consequences and even lead to ear and jaw pain.  

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is another potential cause of developing TMJ. Bruxism is a condition when you grind or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you’re awake or clench or grind them while asleep.

Although teeth grinding does not sound extremely serious, it can lead to a TMJ disorder and cause ear pain and discomfort in the jaw. Chronic teeth grinding can also have a detrimental impact on your teeth, causing teeth misalignment, erosion and adversely affect the muscles surrounding your jaws.

If you have arthritis, one or more of your joints are inflamed or swollen. The term arthritis encompasses over a hundred different disorders that affect the joints, connective tissues, and other tissues surrounding the joints. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of arthritis you have, but joint pain and stiffness are generally hallmark symptoms. 

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of temporomandibular joint disorders result from wear and tear to the cartilage that surrounds the joints.

Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, on the other hand, are considered autoimmune, which means that your immune system is thought to attack your joints. Both of these types of arthritis cause significant pain throughout the body, which can include TMJ.

Sinus infections can also be the culprit for ear and jaw pain. Anything that can cause the sinus cavities to become filled with mucus, such as the common cold, allergies, or eustachian tube dysfunction, can potentially lead to sinusitis and inflamed nasal passages. 

Poor oral health leads to various dental issues, such as cavities, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Without proper treatment, all these conditions lead to bacteria buildup and can result in severe complications. Ear and jaw pain is one of the tell-tale signs of serious dental issues. 

As you can see, ear and jaw pain can be rooted in many different health problems. Although it can be challenging to identify the underlying cause, looking for other signs and symptoms can help you and your healthcare provider pinpoint the issue.  

For instance, TMJ has many different symptoms besides ear and jaw pain. It is not uncommon for those suffering from TMJ disorders or TMJ dysfunction to experience ear ringing, hearing loss, headache, facial pain, or jaw locking and clicking. 

Swimmer’s ear is often accompanied by fever and drainage from the affected ear, while a sinus infection usually comes with annoying nasal congestion and a loss of smell or taste. 

How do doctors diagnose ear and jaw pain?

To get to the bottom of the pain in your ear and jaw, your healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical exam and ask you some relevant questions to understand your health history better. If taking these steps is not sufficient, your provider may recommend an X-ray or MRI. 

What treatment options are available for ear and jaw pain?

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may vary from person to person. The vast majority of TMJ cases resolve on their own without any treatment. However, if your pain persists over an extended period or if you are in a lot of discomfort, you should not delay seeking medical attention. 

Some people find relief by resting their jaw or applying a warm or cold compress to the affected area throughout the day. Performing jaw-stretching exercises can also be very helpful. Naturally, paying attention to your oral health by practicing good oral hygiene is very important to reduce bacteria in the mouth. It is equally beneficial to reduce stress and include more soft foods in your diet.

What is the key takeaway?

Numerous reasons could be responsible for the pain in your ear and jaw area. While both regions may be affected, it is also possible that the source of the pain is elsewhere and what you feel is actually referred pain. Regardless, it is crucial to talk to your doctor and figure out the root cause of your health issue. 

_{The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. You should not use the information as a substitute for, nor should it replace, professional medical advice. If you have any questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional.}

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Be wary of jaw pain near the ear

This is an automatically translated article.

Jaw pain near the ear is not uncommon. Some of the obvious symptoms of this phenomenon are pain in or around the ear area, pain when chewing, stiff jaw, headache… The cause of this problem is quite diverse, it is necessary to have the right treatment. specific test.

1. When you have jaw pain near your ear, what other symptoms may you experience?

Jaw pain near the ear can be accompanied by many other signs such as:
Jaw pain and stiffness. Soreness in or around the ear area. When eating, the patient has many difficulties, pain and discomfort. There may be headaches, pain in the entire face. The movement of opening and closing the mouth becomes difficult because the jaw joint is stiff.

2. Jaw pain near the ear, what health risks are you facing?

There are many issues surrounding jaw pain, each with different health consequences.
2.1 Temporomandibular joint arthritis The temporomandibular joint is the only movable joint in the craniofacial part, which has the function to support jaw activities such as talking, chewing, swallowing. .. If you have pain in the jaw near the jaw, Ear due to temporomandibular joint disease, you will feel the pain occurs in cycles, accompanied by muscle spasms and imbalance of movement.
This is a common disease and can occur in many groups of subjects, the rate is especially high in the group of women who are in the period of hormonal changes such as puberty, menopause …
Currently, Symptoms of TMJ may include;
The pain can occur on one or both sides of the face, often starting with mild pain that can go away on its own. However, as the disease progresses, the pain will become intense and constant, especially when eating. Especially pain in and around the ear. Mouth and jaw movement difficult, lack of flexibility. When moving the jaw, you can hear the click of the jaw joints. Dizziness, neck fatigue, headache, pain in the temples. Hypertrophy at the inflammatory joint in the chewing muscle, you can easily see this because outside, your face will be more swollen.

Bị đau quai hàm gần tai có thể do vêm khớp thái dương hàm

2. 2 Temporomandibular dysfunction Having jaw pain near the ear can also be a sign of TMJ dysfunction – a relatively uncommon disease that has many negative effects on patients.
When suffering from TMJ dysfunction, the patient will feel that the chewing muscle or the temporomandibular joint is abnormal, the efficiency is reduced when chewing, and the opening and closing of the mouth also becomes extremely difficult.
According to statistics, this disease only occurs in about 10% of the population, seen in many groups of subjects, but only a few have symptoms. When recognized through symptoms, the disease has tended to be severe, with a high risk of causing joint damage if not treated promptly.
Symptoms of TMJ include:
It becomes difficult to open the mouth wide. Muscle fatigue when eating or chewing, limited jaw movement, lack of flexibility. Pain in the chewing muscles, temporomandibular joints, gradually, the pain spreads to the whole head. Tinnitus, dizziness.

2. 3 Jaw malformation Cleft palate is also a cause of jaw pain near the ear, which usually occurs when someone opens their mouth too wide suddenly (like laughing). This condition comes from the patient’s uncontrolled actions.
Jaw defect can happen to anyone, but it is not a pathology, but just a condition, which can be corrected quickly and without leaving dangerous sequelae. However, if left untreated, the condition can get worse and interfere with many daily activities.
Symptoms of jaw failure:
Pain in many areas from the shoulder, neck, ear, face… and the pain occurs frequently. Tinnitus, in severe cases, can make it impossible to hear. Pain when moving the jaw. Neck movements are particularly difficult. When eating or drinking or opening your mouth, you will hear a clicking sound at the jaw joint. There are several methods to overcome the condition of jaw pain near the ear. For mild cases of jaw pain near the ear, you may not need to see a doctor right away. To improve pain, you can try some simple solutions:
Heat Heat can help relax muscles, thereby effectively improving pain and stiffness. However, if your jaw pain is accompanied by swelling and inflammation, you should try a cold compress solution.
Pain relievers Some over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol / acetaminophen, ibuprofen … The use of these drugs should ensure compliance with the dose instructions. If you are using pain relievers but still can’t improve your symptoms, this is a sign that you need to see a doctor.
Acupressure – massage You can use your index and middle fingers to press on the painful area, massage around this area for about 5 – 10 rounds, then move your mouth. Try doing this again a few times until the pain subsides.

Bị đau quai hàm gần tai có thể áp dụng phương pháp ấn huyệt – xoa bóp

2.4 Some limitations to be aware of To improve and prevent jaw pain near the ear, you need to limit some of the following issues:
Limit lying on one side / put your hands under the jaw when sleeping. This position has the potential to put pressure on the jaw muscles, causing pain on one side (jaw pain near the left ear or jaw pain near the right ear). If one side is in pain, you should lie down on the other side. Avoid chewy and sticky foods, especially do not eat chewing gum. As can be seen, the phenomenon of jaw pain near the ear can be a sign of many diseases related to the joints. Therefore, when you notice that the pain is gradually increasing and cannot be improved by conventional measures, you need to see a doctor for an accurate examination.

Please dial
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Relieve pain in the ear, temple and jaw – ENT Center, Kyiv

How to understand what hurts: ear, teeth or temple on one side?

Let’s say your ear hurts , it radiates to your temple . Most likely, in this case, the problem is in the ear. Headache manifests itself in both temples at once. If hurts on one side of , the source of pain is definitely the ear.
Sometimes the pain begins to radiate into the jaw . In such situations, it is more difficult to deal with. The cause can be both ear inflammation and problems with the jaw joints. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause. But in order to understand who to go to, you need to listen to yourself – analyze symptoms .
When the ear hurts, radiates to the temple and jaw , the pain is usually concentrated behind the ear. Types of pain may be different. Some patients feel a sharp shooting or throbbing pain. In others, it is dull, aching or pulling. The pain may radiate not only to the jaw or temple , but also to the neck and the eyes . The more pronounced the pain syndrome, the more neighboring structures it affects.

Causes of pain

Most often, simultaneous pain in the ear, jaw and temple is associated with otitis media, other causes are possible.

Otitis media

One of the common causes of ear pain is secretory otitis media . This is an acute inflammatory process in the middle ear caused by an infection. Most often it is provoked by bacteria, but fungi can also cause it – in this case, the disease is called otomycosis.
Causes of otitis media can be water getting into the ear, injuries and microcracks in the ear canal, hypothermia. The ears become susceptible to infection and become inflamed. As a result, otitis develops radiates to teeth and other adjacent structures.
How to understand what exactly otitis media gives to the jaw ? In addition to pain, there are other symptoms: congestion and itching in the ears, hearing loss. They can identify the problem.

Other causes

Simultaneous pain in the ear, jaw and temple may appear for other reasons. For example, due to a sick wisdom tooth or an inflamed jaw joint. Also, the temple can hurt due to inflammation of the temporal bone.

What to do if your ear hurts and radiates to your teeth and temple?

First, go to the ENT for an examination, since in most cases the problem is in the ears. He will conduct an otoscopy, which will show if there is inflammation in the ear, extra accumulations of sulfur, microtrauma. If it turns out that this otitis media radiates to the jaw , then the doctor will prescribe a suitable treatment. If not, you will have to look for the cause in another field of medicine. For example, go to the dentist.

Treatment

When otitis media spreads to the teeth , the patient is given antibiotic therapy to eliminate the infection. He is also prescribed:

• Antipyretics – if there is a strong temperature
• Topical drops – to relieve inflammation and pain
• Ear wash – to remove abnormal discharge
• Physiotherapy – to speed up treatment

In severe cases, the eardrum has to be cut open to drain it and remove the pus. In the future, its integrity is restored, and hearing returns. If there are complications in the form of tissue scarring, pneumatic massage, blowing of the auditory tubes and UHF are prescribed.
The sooner the patient seeks help, the higher his chances of quickly curing otitis media and getting rid of pain. You can get professional treatment in our ENT center for children and adults. Our doctor will carefully examine you and select an individual therapy regimen. After treatment , our patients forget about ear pain and successfully restore their hearing lost due to otitis media!

Possible complications

When the ear hurts, radiates to the temple and jaw , this is an alarming symptom. If the cause is otitis, the patient may develop serious complications:

• Mastoiditis – inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone
• Tympanic perforation
• Labyrinthitis – otitis media with hair cell damage and irreversible hearing loss
• Neuritis of the facial nerve
• Meningitis
• Brain abscess

In severe cases, this can lead to death. Therefore, it is better not to start the disease, but immediately seek help from an ENT.

Prevention

In order not to suffer from debilitating pain that radiates to the jaw and temple, you need:

• Protect ears from water
• Avoid hypothermia
• Treat ENT diseases in time
• Maintain ear hygiene
• Regular check-ups with an otolaryngologist and dentist

Start prevention right now – book a consultation with our doctor! This will help to avoid problems with the ears and other ENT organs. If you feel pain, seek help from our ENT as soon as possible. He will select the appropriate treatment and relieve you of pain.

For more information, please contact our ENT Center for adults and children at: ear area – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General information

The hearing organ in humans consists of the outer, middle and inner ear. Outer ear includes auricle, external auditory canal and eardrum . The latter is the boundary between the outer and middle ear.

The middle ear is located in the temporal bone of the skull and consists of the tympanic cavity, auditory tube and the mastoid process.

The inner ear is a labyrinth and contains formations, some of which (semicircular canals) are responsible for the sense of balance, and others (cochlea) – for the transformation of sound vibrations into an impulse, which can then be recognized by the cerebral cortex.

Pain in the ear area

Pain in the ear can be directly related to inflammation in the ear area or be reflex in nature in the following diseases :

dalin, sinusitis, but most often – pain in the neck, spine, myofascial pain, and neuralgia. Only a medical examination of the ears, head and neck area can reveal the true cause of ear discomfort.

Inflammation of the ear

Otitis This inflammation of the ear is external (limited, diffuse and medium). Limited inflammation of the outer ear is more often called furunculosis (inflammation of the sacs and sebaceous glands under the influence of a mechanical factor, manipulations in the ear canal with matches, hairpins against the background of a certain readiness of the macroorganism, reduced immunity in diabetes, gout, hypovitaminosis (A, B, C) , as a result of activation or accession of a staphylococcal infection).

Diffuse inflammation of the external auditory canal is observed mainly in chronic purulent otitis media due to the penetration of various bacteria and fungus into the skin and subcutaneous layer. The inflammatory process often spreads to the eardrum

Otitis media are:

• acute;

• chronic;

• purulent;

• catarrhal.

The degree of severity of the inflammatory reaction depends mainly on the virulence of microorganisms and on the state of the protective forces of the macroorganism, in addition, microorganisms that are activated during viral or bacterial inflammation of the nasal mucosa contribute to the inflammatory reaction by the type of superinfection, reinfection or autoinfection .

Penetration mechanism bacterial pathogens may be due to:

This path, the so-called tuber path, is one of the main ones. Much less often, the infection enters the middle ear by the hematogenous route and, in exceptional cases, through the damaged eardrum.

High virulence of microbes, decrease in the general reactivity of the organism, the presence of a chronic pathological process in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx contribute to the transition of acute purulent otitis media into a chronic form.

Types of ear pain

Ear pain can be caused by infections of the tonsils, jaws and sinuses.

Types of ear pain depending on ear area :

• Pinna (sound pickup part of the ear). Strong winds can cause a painful bruise around the ear that enlarges and turns blue. Frostbite or ear burns can cause ear pain or itching.

• Another condition that can cause ear cartilage pain is periochondritis (an infection of the skin that protects the cartilage).

• Foreign body in external auditory canal, is the most common cause of ear pain in children.

• Acute inflammation of the external ear. It is often caused by contaminated (bacterial) water entering the ear. The pain is severe and may increase with jaw movement.

• Furunculosis. Infection of hair follicles in the ear canal. Pain in the ear area is usually very severe and may increase with movement of the jaws and auricle. If the tragus (a cartilaginous process in front of the outer ear) is compressed, you may feel weak.

Swimmer’s ear occurs when a layer of skin around the ear swells due to dampness, heat and humidity. Frequent contact with water, such as when swimming, softens the skin of the ear canal and makes it more susceptible to infections, especially bacteria. The last stage of swimmer’s ear is inflammation middle ear .

Earwax protects the ear from the environment. However, sulfur formation can be a problem for many people. In this case, it is necessary to use wax softening ear drops, and in some cases, see a doctor to clean the ears by rinsing them with a syringe and remove excess wax. Accumulated sulfur sometimes causes pain in the ear or discharge, as well as hearing impairment.

Itching in the ear is a fairly common complaint. Itching is caused by dryness of the ear canals and a lack of sulfur. Often it is caused by allergenic fungus. The ear canal is a warm, dark, damp place, and these are good conditions for fungus.

otitis media

otitis media is a bacterial infection in the middle ear that causes fluid to build up in the middle ear.

Acute otitis media is the most common reason for visiting a doctor in children. In some children, inflammation of the middle ear may recur. This inflammation is characterized by the following symptoms:

Secretory inflammation of the middle ear is one of the chronic types of inflammation of the middle ear. It is common in children and is characterized as the formation of a thick and sticky fluid in the middle ear, which accumulates behind the eardrum and causes short-term pain in the ear region, a feeling as if the ears were stuffed up, and impaired hearing .

Ear pressure. It occurs mainly due to blockage of airflow in the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx. Pressure in the ears is also observed in diseases of the paranasal sinuses. Patients suffering from ear pressure often have allergic rhinitis or sinusitis.

Acute mastoiditis is an inflammation of the mastoid cavity in the temporal bone behind the auricle. It is characterized by the following symptoms:

If you experience the above symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Causes of ear pain without hearing loss:

• Acute and subacute inflammation in the external auditory canal without complete blockage of its lumen.

• Arthritis and arthrosis in the area of ​​the jaw joint.

• Mumps and abscesses of the parotid gland.

• Inflammation (accompanied by abscess) of congenital parotid cysts.