Other hearing diseases

Why does sharp pain in the ear come and go?

Dealing with sharp pain in the ear that comes and goes in adults can be both confusing and uncomfortable. Pinpointing possible causes, such as jaw issues or infections, is key to finding relief and getting the right treatment.

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Dr. Thomas Tedeschi, Au.D.

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Meaning of sharp pain in ear

Areas of pain in ear

Causes

Triggers

Symptoms

Remedies

Key takeaways

Sharp pain in the ear can result from causes like pressure changes, infections, earwax buildup or nerve-related issues. Common conditions include middle ear infections, jaw disorders and sinus problems.
The exact location of sharp ear pain, whether in the outer, middle or behind the ear, can signal different problems such as swimmer’s ear, infections, neuralgia or mastoiditis.
Swallowing, chewing, yawning or sleeping on one side can trigger sharp ear pain linked to issues with the Eustachian tubes, TMJ disorders or irritated ear cartilage.
Sharp ear pain often occurs with other symptoms like sore throat, jaw pain, headaches or fever. These connections are due to shared nerve pathways or inflammation between the ears and throat.
Simple remedies like cold or warm compresses, OTC pain relievers and ear drops can help manage sharp ear pain.
If the pain persists for more than a few days or comes with severe symptoms like fever, discharge or dizziness, it’s important to see your medical doctor.

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What does a random sharp pain in the ear mean?

Random sharp pain in the ear can mean many things. That’s why it’s important to take stock of all the symptoms you have — including when, where, how, and how often they happen. By the process of elimination (and with a doctor’s help), you can find the cause of the problem.

Occasional sharp ear pain is often nothing to worry about and can be caused by things like pressure changes or earwax buildup.¹ However, if you experience sharp pain in the ear that comes and goes for months or feel a sharp needle-like pain in the ear, it might point to something more serious, such as middle ear infections, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or nerve-related problems.^{2, 3}

Sharp burning pain in the ear could also be triggered by cold air, dehydration or loud noises. If you experience sharp pain in the ear every few minutes or if the pain persists and is accompanied by symptoms like ear discharge, fever or dizziness, you should to see a doctor.⁴

Where is the shooting pain in the ear located?

The precise location of ear pain, whether it’s a sharp pain in the right ear or sharp pain in the left ear, can provide valuable clues about the root cause. The pain may originate in the outer ear, inside the ear canal or deeper in the Eustachian tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.¹

Understanding the source of sharp ear pain in one ear or both ears can help identify the underlying issue.

Sharp pain behind the ear could be a sign of conditions like mastoiditis or neuralgia.

Mastoiditis is a rare infection of the bone behind the ear, often due to an untreated ear infection. It can cause swelling, redness and fever.

Neuralgia happens when nerves get irritated and can cause short, sharp bursts of pain.^{5, 6}

Sharp pain in the outer ear is commonly caused by conditions like swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) — an infection of the outer ear canal often linked to bacteria entering the ear during swimming. Other causes include minor injuries from scratching or improper ear cleaning, such as using cotton swabs.⁷

To reduce the risks, avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, keep your ears dry and allow earwax to exit naturally rather than trying to remove it.⁸

Middle ear pain usually happens because of an infection or changes in air pressure. Middle ear infections can cause fluid buildup behind the eardrum, causing pain, fever, dizziness or trouble hearing. Pressure changes like you experience during flying or scuba diving can also cause ear pain and cause a popping feeling.^{9, 10, 11}

Cartilage pain can result from too much pressure, like sleeping on one side for too long or wearing headphones. Other causes could include conditions like chondritis, an infection of the ear cartilage; or chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH), which makes ear cartilage and skin irritated and swollen.¹²

Reducing pressure on your ears may help you feel better, but if you see signs that point to an infection (tenderness, redness, swelling, heat or drainage from a wound), see a medical doctor as soon as possible.

What causes sharp pain in the ear?

Sharp pain in the ear can be surprisingly common and caused by several factors. While it’s often not serious, it’s good to know what might be behind this discomfort. Here are some of the usual suspects:¹³

Ear infections (e.g., otitis externa or media): can an ear infection cause sharp pain in the head or ears? It certainly can. Caused by bacteria or viruses, both outer and middle ear infections are common reasons for ear pain. Middle ear infections often start after colds or allergies and may cause a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing.¹
Earwax buildup: sometimes, a simple earwax blockage is to blame. When too much earwax builds up, it can press against the eardrum, causing pain, pressure or even temporary hearing issues. You can remove a blockage at home using wax softening or ear irrigation techniques, or visit your doctor to have them remove the blockage. Avoid using cotton swabs, which can push the wax further in or cause irritation.⁸
Sinus infections: experiencing sharp pain in your ear from a sinus infection? When your sinuses are congested or inflamed, it can affect the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure between your ears and throat. This can lead to discomfort or even sharp pain in the ear.¹³
Barotrauma: have you ever felt sharp ear pain during a flight? That’s barotrauma, which happens when there’s a sudden pressure change your ears can’t adjust to fast enough. Divers and flyers often experience this, and the sharp pain is due to pressure on the eardrum.⁹
Foreign objects in the ear: it might be something as small as an earbud, but foreign objects in the ear canal can irritate the sensitive skin inside, causing sharp pain or infection. Always be gentle when placing objects in your ears to avoid problems.
TMJ or dental issues: the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located near the ear, can cause ear pain when it’s misaligned or inflamed. Similarly, dental problems like cavities or infections in the gums may also send shooting pain to the ear area.¹⁴

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Triggers of intermittent sharp pain in the ear

A number of triggers can cause intermittent, sharp ear pain. Recognizing them can enable you to manage the pain and avoid making it worse.

Swallowing affects the Eustachian tubes, which regulate ear pressure. If the tubes are blocked due to allergies or infections, swallowing can cause sharp pain and a feeling of fullness in the ear.^{9, 15}

TMJ or dental issues like abscesses can cause pain when chewing, as the jaw muscles near the ear become inflamed or strained, radiating discomfort.¹⁴

Forceful nose blowing creates pressure in the Eustachian tubes, which can cause pain if the tubes are inflamed or blocked due to colds or sinus issues.¹⁶

Yawning opens the Eustachian tubes to equalize pressure. If the tubes are inflamed or blocked, this movement can trigger pain or discomfort.⁹

Trapped water in the ear canal can lead to infections like swimmer’s ear, causing inflammation and sharp pain, often accompanied by itching or redness.¹⁷

Cold drinks can stimulate sensitive nerves near the jaw and ears, especially in those with dental issues, TMJ disorders or heightened nerve sensitivity.^{18, 19}

Sleeping on one side for too long or using firm pillows can irritate ear cartilage or worsen TMJ pain and outer ear infections.

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Symptoms associated with sharp pain in the ear

Sharp ear pain may not happen on its own. It often comes with related symptoms that hint at underlying causes.

Pain in your jaw, especially from TMJ problems or teeth grinding, can cause ear pain because the two areas are closely connected. Your TMJ shares nerves with the ear. When this joint gets irritated or overworked from clenching or grinding your teeth, it can send pain signals to your ear.²⁰

Reducing jaw strain by wearing a night guard or relaxing the muscles often helps ease sharp pain in the ear and jaw.

A sore throat and sharp pain in your ear often happen together because your ears and throat are connected by a small tube called the Eustachian tube. When you have an ear infection or sinus problems, this tube can get inflamed, making both your throat and ear hurt.²¹ For example, sinus drainage can irritate your throat while creating pressure that feels like ear pain.

Treating the infection or soothing the sinuses can usually reduce the discomfort.

Headaches sometimes come with ear pain because they can be linked by nerves and pressure changes. Stress or tight muscles can create headaches that also make the area around your ears hurt. Changes in air pressure, like during flying, might add to both ear and head pain.

Taking steps to relax, relieve pressure or ease nerve irritation can help with both problems.

Remedies for a sharp pain in ear that comes and goes

Depending on the exact cause, sharp ear pain can be managed effectively at home or with professional care. Below are some sharp pain in ear home remedies to consider.

● Apply cold or warm compresses for 20 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.

● Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to ease discomfort.

● Use over-the-counter ear drops to minimize pain—as long as you know your eardrum isn’t ruptured.

● Try yawning or chewing gum, which may help open Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure.¹³

When to see a doctor

If sharp ear pain comes with fever, discharge, dizziness, hearing problems, heat or swelling, don’t hesitate to see a healthcare professional. Early treatment can prevent complications and keep your ears healthier.

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One of the best ways to care for your ears and prevent hearing loss is to get them properly examined by a hearing professional. Find your nearest Miracle-Ear store to get started on your journey to better hearing.

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Sources

^{1 Mayo Clinic Staff. “Ear Infection (Middle Ear) - Symptoms & Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Mar. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.}

²“Secondary Otalgia: Referred Pain Pathways and Pathologies.” PMC, www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7963252/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

³“Ear infection - acute.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000638.htm. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

⁴ “About Ear Infections.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/ear-infection/about/index.html. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

⁵ “Mastoiditis.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001034.htm. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

⁶ “Mastoiditis - StatPearls.” NCBI Bookshelf, National Center for Biotechnology Information, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560877/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

⁷ “Overview: Outer ear infection.” Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG), updated 13 June 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279353/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

⁸ American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Earwax: Dos and Don’ts. American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Apr. 2021, www.entnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/earwax_dos-donts_current.pdf. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

⁹ “Ear barotrauma.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001064.htm. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹¹ “Effect of Ear Infections on Hearing Ability.” PMC, www.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9419542/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹² Gupta, Gunjan, et al. “Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, 11 Jan. 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482507/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹³ “Earache.” MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 Jan. 2023, https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003046.htm. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹⁴ “Understanding TMJ Disorders/TMD.” UIC College of Dentistry, University of Illinois Chicago, 25 Jan. 2022, https://dentistry.uic.edu/news-stories/understanding-tmj-disorders-tmd/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025

¹⁵ Cleveland Clinic. “Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22527-eustachian-tube-dysfunction. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹⁶Allergy & Asthma Network. “How to Blow Your Nose Properly.” Allergy & Asthma Network, https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/how-to-blow-nose/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹⁷ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Preventing Swimmer’s Ear.” CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-swimming/prevention/preventing-swimmers-ear.html. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹⁸ “TMJ and Ear Pain.” Michigan Head & Neck Institute, https://www.michiganheadandneck.com/ear-pain-tmj/. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

¹⁹ “Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia.” Mount Sinai Health System, 13 June 2024, www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/glossopharyngeal-neuralgia. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

²⁰Hernández-Nuño de la Rosa, María F., et al. “Is there an association between otologic symptoms and temporomandibular disorders?: An evidence-based review.” The Journal of the American Dental Association, vol. 153, no. 11, 2022, pp. 1096-1103. Elsevier, doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2021.07.029.

²¹ “Updates in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.” Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, 2022, doi:10.1016/S0030-6665(22)00102-5.