Ask a doctor on the topic of Otorhinolaryngology

Recurring pain in the ear similar to that of Otitis Externa.

August 14, 2013 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

I have been experiencing recurrent ear pain in my right ear for some time now. The type of pain reminds me of external otitis (although without the itchiness and without an increase in pain when I press on the outside of the ear or pull on the earlobe, as was always the case with my external otitis in the past), which I used to have quite frequently. Additionally, sometimes I feel like my ear is blocked by something. However, the pain would always persist until it was treated. This time, the pain comes and goes; sometimes (like right now) it is present for 3 days, then gone for 3 days, and on the days it is present, it diminishes significantly throughout the day. Therefore, I am unsure if it is actually an infection, as it would be unusual for the pain to disappear completely for days. Overall, the pain has been coming and going for about 4 weeks now.

Furthermore, the pain (almost) always accompanies neck pain (also on the right side), occasionally pain behind the ear and in the jaw joint. Therefore, I am considering whether the cause lies more in this area and if I should see an orthopedist instead of an ENT specialist.

However, I am unable to secure an appointment with an orthopedist in the near future and would probably only be able to do so after the vacation I am going on in 3 weeks.

Therefore, my questions are:

1. Is it possible that these pains do not originate from the ear but rather from tense neck muscles? Should I therefore see an orthopedist instead of an ENT specialist?

2. Can I be reassured that the pain does not have more serious causes, such as a tumor in the area of the ear, mouth, or throat?

Personal information:
36 years old
Male
Overweight
Non-smoker
Rarely consumes alcohol

Pre-existing conditions:
Hypothyroidism
Epilepsy (first occurred at age 33, seizures always triggered by lack of sleep)

Thank you in advance for your response!

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello,

A dull pain in the ear, coming and going, often indicates an overload of the temporomandibular joint. Indicative would be a history of grinding or clenching teeth, incomplete mouth opening, and pressure pain on the joint in front of the ear. Especially if you grind your teeth at night, the pain is stronger in the morning and then subsides.

Based on your description, I suspect a myoarthropathy of the temporomandibular joint; however, this is the domain of the maxillofacial surgeon or dentist. Please consult your dentist first, who can look for signs of grinding and make a splint to prevent grinding and relieve the joint.

Please have your general practitioner look into your ear first. They can rule out external otitis with a simple glance, you don't need an ENT specialist for that. Tumors cause visible swellings or changes in the mucosa before they cause pain, so you don't need to worry about that.

Regarding the neck, a general practitioner treats such problems daily and can also give you a diagnosis here. Warmth, physiotherapy, relaxation exercises, and ibuprofen can help alleviate symptoms if needed, with ibuprofen also being a good option for an irritated temporomandibular joint.

Therefore, by visiting your general practitioner and dentist before your vacation, you can be adequately diagnosed and treated.

Wishing you all the best!

Best regards, Dr. Frauke Höllering