Inner ear pain can be a concerning and uncomfortable experience. Because our ears are sensitive and crucial for hearing and balance, any pain in this area can understandably trigger anxiety. Figuring out exactly why your ear hurts deep inside isn’t always straightforward on your own.
Fortunately, while various issues can cause pain inside your ear, many are treatable. Here are some of the common reasons why you might be experiencing this type of earache.
Earwax Buildup (Impacted Cerumen)
Earwax is naturally produced by your ears to protect and lubricate the ear canal. Usually, the ear has a self-cleaning mechanism that gradually moves earwax out. However, sometimes this process doesn’t work efficiently, and earwax can accumulate and harden, leading to a blockage. This is known as impacted earwax.
When earwax becomes impacted, it can press against the eardrum, causing pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and even temporary hearing loss. This is a key reason why Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialists advise against using cotton swabs or similar objects to clean your ears. These tools often push the earwax further into the ear canal, worsening impaction and potentially leading to infections. Professional ear cleaning, like ear irrigation or manual removal by a doctor, is a safer approach to deal with excessive earwax.
Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, are a frequent cause of ear pain, especially in children, but they can affect adults too. These infections often occur as a result of other respiratory illnesses like colds, the flu, allergies, or sinus infections. These conditions can cause the Eustachian tubes to become blocked.
The Eustachian tubes are small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, helping to regulate air pressure and drain fluids from the middle ear. When these tubes are blocked, fluid can build up in the middle ear. This trapped fluid can become infected by bacteria or viruses, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms of a middle ear infection can include ear pain, pressure in the ear, fluid drainage, and sometimes hearing difficulties. Treatment for middle ear infections depends on the cause and severity. Bacterial infections are typically treated with antibiotics. For viral infections or to manage symptoms, doctors might recommend decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal corticosteroids to reduce congestion and inflammation and help open up the Eustachian tubes. It’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention for suspected middle ear infections to prevent complications, such as the infection spreading or potential hearing loss.
Dental Issues and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Sometimes, the pain you feel inside your ear might not actually originate from the ear itself. Dental problems can sometimes radiate pain to the ear area. Issues like tooth abscesses, cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, and teeth grinding can all contribute to ear pain.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, located just in front of your ear. TMJ disorders can cause pain that is felt in the ear, face, jaw, and neck. TMJ pain is often triggered by teeth grinding or clenching, stress, or arthritis in the joint. You might notice TMJ-related ear pain worsen when you chew, talk, or yawn.
Treatment for dental-related ear pain naturally focuses on addressing the underlying dental issue. For TMJ pain, approaches can include over-the-counter pain relievers, warm compresses applied to the jaw, and stress management techniques. For teeth grinding, a mouthguard worn at night can be beneficial.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Ear pain can be a bothersome symptom with various potential causes. While some causes, like mild earwax buildup, might resolve on their own or with home remedies, it’s important to know when to seek professional medical advice.
If you experience severe ear pain, pain that doesn’t improve, ear drainage (especially if it’s bloody or pus-like), hearing loss, dizziness, or fever along with ear pain, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare professional. An ENT specialist can accurately diagnose the cause of your inner ear pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to alleviate your discomfort and prevent further complications. Don’t hesitate to seek expert help to understand and address why the inside of your ear hurts.
