Why Does My Left Ear Ache? Discover Causes and Solutions

A left ear ache can be caused by an ear infection, earwax, jaw problems, or a sore throat. See a doctor if it comes with fever or discharge.

Common causes

• Middle ear infection (otitis media).
• Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa).
• Earwax blockage.
• Jaw (TMJ) problems.
• Sore throat or tooth pain (referred pain).
• Sinus pressure.

Home care

Warm compress and pain relievers.

See a doctor

If pain lasts over 2 days, or comes with fever, discharge or hearing loss.

Emergency

Pain with swelling behind the ear or stiff neck.

Ear anatomy and typical causes

Ear pain originates in the outer ear (otitis externa), the middle ear (otitis media) or is referred from the jaw (TMJ), teeth, throat or neck. Otitis media is most common in children, with about 80 percent having at least one episode by age 3. In adults, eustachian tube dysfunction, sinus infection and TMJ disorders are frequent causes.

• Swimmer’s ear causes pain when the outer ear is pulled, and treatment is with antibiotic drops.
• Wisdom tooth problems and throat infections like tonsillitis refer pain to the ear through shared nerves.
• Earwax impaction and pressure changes during flying can hurt.
• Many middle ear infections in adults clear within 3 days without antibiotics, but a doctor can guide.

Care and red flags

Use a warm compress and acetaminophen or ibuprofen if safe. Do not insert cotton swabs or oils if the eardrum may be perforated. See a doctor for pain lasting over 2 to 3 days, fever, discharge, hearing loss or dizziness. Redness and swelling behind the ear or facial weakness need urgent care, as these may signal mastoiditis or other complications.

Ear anatomy and causes

Ear aches can come from middle ear infection, swimmer’s ear, wax, sinus pressure, dental problems or jaw (TMJ) problems. Otitis media is common in children.

Care and red flags

Use pain relievers as directed and warm compresses. Seek care for fever, discharge, hearing loss, dizziness or swelling behind the ear.

Possible causes by side

Left ear pain can come from middle ear infection, outer ear infection, wax impaction, pressure changes, temporomandibular joint disorders, tooth infection or throat problems. Referred pain from tonsillitis or dental issues is common because of shared nerves.

Treatment ideas

Warm compresses, over the counter pain relief as directed, and keeping the ear dry help. Antibiotic ear drops treat swimmer’s ear. Middle ear infections in adults often need a clinician. Seek urgent care for ear pain with high fever, facial weakness, severe dizziness, discharge with blood or sudden hearing loss. Never insert objects into the ear.

Based on data from the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the CDC