When considering ear infections, it’s common to think of children. Many kids end up with ear infections after sharing germs at school or getting water trapped in their ears from swimming. Surprisingly, adults can also suffer from ear infections, and they can be just as painful as they were in childhood. When ear infections are accompanied by jaw pain, the discomfort can be even more intense. If you find yourself dealing with both ear and jaw pain simultaneously, you may wonder if there is a connection between the two. In this article, Philip Chen, MD, FARS, a professor of otolaryngology and rhinology at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, answers this question and provides insights on the conditions that may cause ear and jaw pain at the same time.
Can an ear infection lead to jaw pain? Unfortunately, yes. There are two types of ear infections, as explained by Dr. Chen: middle ear infections that occur behind the eardrum and external ear infections, also known as swimmer’s ear, which affect the ear canal. Both types of infections can result in jaw pain, primarily due to the close proximity of the jaw joint to the ear canal. Inflammation in the ear area can affect the neighboring jaw, leading to pain. While experiencing ear and jaw pain together, it may not immediately be apparent that they are related. It is essential to recognize other symptoms of ear infections, such as redness, swelling, or itching in the ear, thick drainage, hearing loss, pressure or fullness in the ear, and sore throat, to determine if the ear infection is the cause of the throbbing jaw.
Various conditions can also result in simultaneous pain in the ear and jaw, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, parotiditis, issues in other parts of the head and neck, dental problems, sinus problems, and trigeminal neuralgia. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the pain to determine the appropriate treatment.
If you suspect that your ear infection is causing jaw pain, consult with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Depending on the type of ear infection, your doctor may recommend home remedies or prescribe medication for treatment. While middle ear infections often resolve on their own without antibiotics, external ear infections may require prescription drops or oral antibiotics. It is crucial to avoid attempting DIY ear cleaning methods, as they can potentially worsen the infection. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.
