How to Handle Ear Pain

Pain that can be felt inside the ear is sometimes the result of problems originating outside of the ear. Pinpointing the underlying issue is the first step toward effective treatment— and relief from discomfort.

TMJ: Temporomandibular joint disorder, which involves problems with the joint where your lower jaw meets your skull, is one of the most common causes of referred ear pain—especially in older adults. If you have chronic ear pain along with an achy jaw, have your dentist evaluate you for TMJ, which is treatable.

Dental problems: Untreated cavities or an infection in your gums can cause pain to radiate from your mouth to your ears.

Arthritis: Stiffness and pain in your neck or jaw from arthritis is sometimes experienced as pain up into your ears.

Cancer: In rare cases, referred ear pain can be a sign of cancer in the throat, tongue, or tonsils. “If you have ear pain, especially when swallowing or yawning, that isn’t related to an infection or TMJ, your doctor needs to rule out more concerning things,” says Melon.