{"id":2269,"date":"2022-10-21T19:58:21","date_gmt":"2022-10-21T23:58:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/?p=2269"},"modified":"2022-10-21T19:58:21","modified_gmt":"2022-10-21T23:58:21","slug":"what-does-a-sharp-pain-in-the-ear-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/what-does-a-sharp-pain-in-the-ear-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"What Does a Sharp Pain in the Ear Mean?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you experience a sharp pain in the ear \u2013 known medically as otalgia \u2013 you may feel alarmed. However, this symptom is rarely cause for serious concern. Below review some of the common causes of pain in the ear and how to find relief.<\/p>\n

Ear Infection\"Male<\/h2>\n

You can experience an infection in the outer or the middle ear that causes sharp ear pain. An outer ear infection (otitis<\/a> externa) is also known as swimmer\u2019s ear. It is most commonly caused by water being trapped in the ear canal after swimming in James Island Creek<\/a> and bacteria growing in it. These infections are most common in adults. A middle ear infection (otitis media) is commonly caused by inflammation due to allergies or a respiratory infection and causes fluid to become trapped behind the eardrum. These are most common in children.<\/p>\n

A doctor may take a wait-and-see approach for an ear infection or prescribe antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Sinus Infection<\/h2>\n

The sinuses are air-filled pockets in the face located behind the eyes, nose and forehead. They are lined with mucus that circulates through your upper respiratory system. Inflammation can cause this mucus to pool in the sinuses, causing pressure throughout the face as well as pain in the ear. Sinus infections can be viral or bacterial.<\/p>\n

Sinus infections are treated with saline rinses and, in some cases, antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder<\/h2>\n

TMJ disorder is a musculoskeletal condition that primarily affects the joints that connect the jaw to the skull, but can also cause pain in the temples and ears. Other symptoms of TMJ disorder include clicking, popping and grinding noises in the jaw and the jaw locking so you cannot open it fully.<\/p>\n

In most cases, TMJ disorder resolves on its own; however, sometimes a mouth guard may be worn to help with symptoms.<\/p>\n

Foreign Object in the Ear<\/h2>\n

While children are definitely most likely to put foreign objects in the ear, causing ear pain, many adults do this too. Usually, this happens when trying to clean the ears with a cotton swab, hair pin or tweezers. Other symptoms of foreign object in the ear include drainage from the ear, hearing loss<\/a> and infection.<\/p>\n

An expert should remove any foreign object trapped in the ear.<\/p>\n

For more information or to schedule an appointment<\/a> with an ear expert, call The Hearing & Balance Center<\/span> today.<\/p>\n