When your nose won’t stop running and your head feels congested, it’s easy to blame yet another winter cold. But in many cases, lingering winter symptoms are in fact caused by allergies. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right treatment and know when it’s time to see an ENT specialist. Continue reading “Winter Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell What’s Causing Your Symptoms”
Author: Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat
When Ear Pain Doesn’t Mean an Ear Infection
Ear pain is often assumed to mean one thing: an ear infection. And sometimes, that’s true. But in many cases (especially in adults), ear pain isn’t actually coming from the ear.
This type of discomfort is known as referred ear pain. Understanding it can help you know when to seek further evaluation and which specialist may be best equipped to help.
Why Ear Pain Isn’t Always an Ear Problem
The ear shares nerve pathways with several nearby structures, including the jaw, throat, teeth, and neck. Because of this overlap, pain originating elsewhere can “show up” as ear pain — even when the ear itself looks completely normal on an exam.
That’s one reason why persistent ear pain without signs of infection should never be ignored or brushed off.
Common Causes of Referred Ear Pain
Here are some of the most frequent non-ear causes of ear pain:
Jaw (TMJ) Disorders
Issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to your skull, are a leading cause of referred ear pain. Teeth grinding, jaw clenching, arthritis, or misalignment can all cause pain that feels deep inside the ear. It often worsens with chewing or jaw movement.
Dental Problems
Tooth decay, abscesses, impacted wisdom teeth, or gum disease can send pain signals to the ear. Dental-related ear pain may be intermittent or sharp and is sometimes triggered by hot or cold foods.
Throat and Tonsil Issues
Conditions affecting the throat, like tonsillitis, throat infections, acid reflux, or even muscle strain, can cause ear pain, particularly when swallowing.
Neck and Muscle Strain
Tight or strained muscles in the neck and upper spine can also refer pain to the ear, especially in people with poor posture or chronic tension.
When Ear Pain Deserves Closer Attention
While many causes of ear pain are benign, certain symptoms should prompt evaluation by a medical professional, especially an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist.
Red flags include:
- Ear pain lasting more than a few days without improvement
- Pain with no signs of infection (no fever, drainage, or hearing changes)
- Pain that worsens over time
- Ear pain accompanied by difficulty swallowing, voice changes, or jaw locking
- Unexplained ear pain in adults, particularly if persistent or one-sided
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious, but the cause should be identified.
How an ENT Can Help With Ear Pain
ENT specialists are uniquely trained to evaluate ear pain in context. They assess not only the ear, but also the jaw, throat, nasal passages, and surrounding structures to determine where the pain is truly coming from.
Rather than focusing on a single symptom, an ENT looks at the whole picture, helping guide the appropriate next steps. That could mean treatment, referral to another specialist, or critical insight into your current condition.
Is Your Ear Pain Really an Infection?
Ear pain isn’t always an ear infection. When discomfort persists, keeps returning, or doesn’t respond to typical treatments, it may be a signal from somewhere else entirely.
Understanding referred ear pain can help you seek appropriate care sooner and avoid unnecessary treatments that don’t address the root cause. If you’re unsure what’s causing your ear pain, a professional evaluation can provide clarity and peace of mind. Call our team of ENT specialists at Coastal Ear, Nose & Throat today to get to the bottom of what’s happening.
The Link Between Untreated Allergies and Chronic Sinusitis
Seasonal allergies are often dismissed as a nuisance: something you “power through” with tissues and over-the-counter meds. But when allergies go untreated, they can do more than cause sneezing and itchy eyes. Over time, they can play a significant role in the development of chronic sinusitis.
Understanding this connection helps explain why some people experience persistent sinus problems that don’t fully resolve. And it could possibly help you get to the root of your sinus issues and finally find relief. Continue reading “The Link Between Untreated Allergies and Chronic Sinusitis”
Understanding Chronic Nasal Congestion and How It’s Treated
A stuffy nose now and then is normal, especially during allergy season or when you have a cold. But if your nose always feels blocked or you’re constantly reaching for tissues, you may be dealing with chronic nasal congestion. This ongoing stuffiness and inability to breathe normally can interfere with sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life. The good news is that it’s generally treatable. Continue reading “Understanding Chronic Nasal Congestion and How It’s Treated”
The Connection Between Sinus Health and Sleep Quality
Quality sleep is vital for our general health and our cognitive health. This is true regardless of your age from baby to senior. Anything that interferes with your sleep, especially if it is consistent, is detrimental to your quality of life. You may not know about the connection between sinus health and sleep quality, but keep reading to find out.
Continue reading “The Connection Between Sinus Health and Sleep Quality”
What Causes a Constant Runny Nose: Understanding Rhinorrhea
Many young children always seem to have a runny nose, and moms are often there with tissues to keep things under control. But as an adult, a constant runny nose can be more than just an annoyance—it can be embarrassing. If you’re constantly reaching for tissues, you may be dealing with a condition called rhinorrhea. Here’s a closer look at what causes it.
Continue reading “What Causes a Constant Runny Nose: Understanding Rhinorrhea”
Bleeding Ear: Causes and When to See a Specialist
Experiencing bleeding from the ear can be alarming. While it’s not always a medical emergency, it’s a sign that something isn’t right and should never be ignored. From minor injuries to serious infections, understanding the causes and knowing when to seek professional help can prevent complications and protect your hearing health.
Continue reading “Bleeding Ear: Causes and When to See a Specialist”
Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue Tie: What to Look For
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that affects a baby’s ability to move their tongue freely. With this condition, the strip of tissue (lingual frenulum) which connects the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is too tight, short, or thick, restricting movement.
While some babies experience no difficulties, others may struggle with feeding, speech, or oral development. Early identification is key to ensuring your baby gets the support they need. Here’s what to look for and when to seek medical advice.
Continue reading “Signs Your Baby May Have a Tongue Tie: What to Look For”
The Connection Between Sinus Health and Sleep Quality
Quality sleep is vital for our general health and our cognitive health. This is true regardless of your age from baby to senior. Anything that interferes with your sleep, especially if it is consistent, is detrimental to your quality of life. You may not know about the connection between sinus health and sleep quality, but keep reading to find out.
Continue reading “The Connection Between Sinus Health and Sleep Quality”
Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Pediatric Tongue Tie
Tongue tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition that may seem minor but can have a significant impact on a child’s feeding, speech, and oral development. Whether you’re a new parent noticing feeding challenges or a caregiver navigating delayed speech, understanding the treatment options available—both surgical and non-surgical—can help you make the best decision for your child’s needs.
Continue reading “Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Pediatric Tongue Tie”