Understanding Common Causes for Chronic Ear Pain

Chronic ear pain can interfere with comfort, peace of mind and daily life. Understanding what might be causing your pain is the first step toward finding relief.

Let’s examine the potential causes for chronic ear pain and explore how it can be managed.

Recurring Ear Infections

Woman holds hand behind ear

In Charleston’s warm, humid climate, conditions like swimmer’s ear, or an outer ear infection, can be common, especially among people who enjoy time in the Charleston Aquatic Center. However, middle ear infections that don’t fully heal can also lead to chronic pain, particularly if fluid becomes trapped behind the eardrum.

Symptoms may include:

  • Difficulty hearing
  • Fluid leaking from the eardrum
  • Fever is unlikely with chronic ear infections

If you experience chronic ear pain and have spent time with water activities, see an ENT specialist. The ENT can work to diagnose the infection and treat it with antibiotics. For recurrent ear infections, be sure to complete your prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve.

TMJ Disorders

People dealing with stress or teeth grinding may experience TMJ problems. The temporomandibular joint is located near the ear, so any dysfunction in this area can present as ear pain.

What to do:

Allergies and Sinus Pressure

Environmental allergies may cause sinus congestion and ear pressure. Chronic inflammation can lead to discomfort that feels like ear pain but originates elsewhere.

What to do:

  • Use over-the-counter antihistamines or nasal sprays
  • Consider allergy testing
  • Drink plenty of fluids and use a humidifier during dry indoor months

Additional Possible Causes

If your ear pain doesn’t match the common causes above, other possibilities include:

  • Earwax buildup
  • Chronic skin conditions like eczema in the ear canal
  • Nerve-related pain (neuralgia)
  • Dental issues such as abscesses
  • Acoustic trauma from loud events or music

If you’ve had ear pain lasting more than a few weeks or if it keeps returning, don’t ignore it. Our ENT specialists can help diagnose the problem and offer a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Schedule an appointment with Charleston ENT & Allergy today to learn more.