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What Causes Ear Pain?

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Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014
Question: Hello doctor.. im getting ear pain very often. Somtime i feel like my ears are filled with pressure and im getting pain in the ear bone that connects to jaw. Whenever i receive phone calls directly or even using ear phones, pain is triggered.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (53 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Get an ear examination, hearing tests and an Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) done.

2. If there is any fluid in the middle ear or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), it will show up in the examination or tests.

3..If the above tests are normal, this could be a referred sensation or pain from the jaw joint an other areas of the head, neck chest and abdomen (due to common nerve supply).

4. Upload the tests results here for further treatment options.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (28 hours later)
Hello doctor,

I have uploaded the test reports. Now a days I am getting pain as soon as i attend phone calls. The pain is around the ear bone area and just below that.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Your hearing tests are within normal limits.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1.I have gone through your reports. Your hearing tests are within normal limits. If there are no other symptoms such as tinnitus (abnormal sounds in the ear), then an inner ear related problem is unlikely.

2. You have not mentioned whether this problem is in both ears or one.Do you have any history of dental problems or treatment? Any history of a head injury, exposure to loud sounds/music, use of headphones or recent medication?

3. One of the most probable causes is a jaw joint (Temporo-Mandibular Joint or TMJ) disorder. This would cause spasms and tenderness in the area around the ear. The cartilage of and skin of the ears should also be examined. There are some obscure disorders such as Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome (SSCDS) and so on which will require detailed direct examination.

4. I recommend that you try the above mentioned evaluations. Meanwhile the response to anti-inflammatory medication (including a short course of steroids) should be observed. You will require a prescription for these medications.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (18 minutes later)
Hello doctor, Thanks for the reply.

I have the above mentioned problem in both the ears. I have continuous sensitivity in the front 3 teeths from past 2 weeks and I use hearphones often.

Recent Medication:
I used mintop minoxidil for hairfall problem which caused rashes on the application area and also on ears. So I was using 'Desonide' for it.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Need evaluation.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Sensitivity in the front teeth will be due to involvement of the Trigeminal (Fifth) Cranial Nerve which supplies sensation to the ear and half of the face, head and upper neck.

2. Get a Neurologist's and a Dentist's opinion. Medication for neuralgias is different from routine painkillers.

3. Reduce the use of headphones.

4. The reaction to Minoxidil may be the trigger for the irritation of the Trigeminal Nerve. The sensitivity may be a referred sensation form the skin involved in the rash. In this case, it should settle down soon.

I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 Questions

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What Causes Ear Pain?

Brief Answer: As below: Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. Get an ear examination, hearing tests and an Impedance Audiometry (Tympanometry) done. 2. If there is any fluid in the middle ear or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), it will show up in the examination or tests. 3..If the above tests are normal, this could be a referred sensation or pain from the jaw joint an other areas of the head, neck chest and abdomen (due to common nerve supply). 4. Upload the tests results here for further treatment options. I hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be available to answer them. Regards.