Ear pain can be caused by various factors such as infections, trauma, and diseases like Meniere’s disease and myringitis. Otitis externa can be caused by water trapped in the ear canal, while otitis media is an ear infection in the middle ear. Other conditions like TMJ disorder and tonsillitis can also cause ear pain.
Ear pain can be extremely uncomfortable, and it is sometimes difficult to diagnose where the pain is coming from, as it may be caused by a disease or condition elsewhere in the body. Bacterial or viral infections, blocked Eustachian tubes, and trauma can cause pain in both ears. Ear pain can also be a result of Meniere’s disease and myringitis. Anything that causes pain in the left ear could potentially affect the right as well.
Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, can cause pain in the left ear when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, causing inflammation and pain. Trauma to the ear from a hard blow, scratching the ear, or using swabs can also damage the ear canal and cause it to become inflamed. Otitis externa makes the ear sensitive and can be painful to touch.
An ear infection in the middle ear between the tympanic membrane and the inner portion of the ear is referred to as otitis media. The Eustachian tube located in the middle ear can become inflamed and cannot properly drain fluid from the ear, creating pressure, ringing and pain. If not properly treated, the eardrum may rupture and pus and fluid drain into the ear canal. Common colds and viruses usually cause otitis media. Usually, the infection clears up naturally, but antibiotics may be needed, and those with chronic infections may have an ear tube inserted to promote normal drainage.
Meniere’s disease is caused by excess fluid in the inner ear in the area that controls balance and hearing. This causes dizziness, tinnitus, and pain, and commonly affects only one ear. Most treatments will try to suppress the dizziness caused by this disease.
Infectious myringitis is caused by a virus or bacteria that infects the eardrum and can cause inflammation, pain, and hearing loss in the ear. Fluid-filled blisters can form inside the ear canal and cause blood to drain from the ear. Antibiotics may be taken to rid the ear of infection if it is caused by a bacteria. Trauma to the ear, including using cotton swabs too frequently or forcefully, can also lead to eardrum inflammation and pain.
Sometimes, left ear pain can be the result of conditions unrelated to the parts of the ear. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) caused by trauma to the jaw, joint inflammation, or teeth grinding can create pain that spreads to the ear. Tonsillitis, arthritis of the cervical spine, eczema, dermatitis, and tetanus can also cause ear pain.
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