What Causes Ear Pain?
By Madhusudhan Tammisetti
Pain in the ears may be caused due to a variety of factors, some of which are unrelated to the ear. The most frequent source of pain induced by an ear problem is a blockage of the link between the middle ear and throat's back. This link is known as the Eustachian tube.
The narrow, air-filled space behind the eardrum is known as the middle ear. The Eustachian tube allows air to enter the middle ear, balancing the pressure between the outer and middle ear. The Eustachian tube is often responsible for draining blood from the middle ear. As this tube is blocked, pressure builds in the ear, creating pain. If the pain persists, visit a chiropractor who may help reduce the ear pain.
Listed below are some of the causes of ear pain.
Auditory Tube Dysfunction
The abnormal opening or closure of the auditory tube is known as auditory tube dysfunction.
The auditory tube opens and shuts in reaction to an increase in air pressure in normal conditions. This equalizes the air pressure within the middle ear.
Auditory tube dysfunction refers to any disorder that leads to the auditory tube's clogging or prohibits it from opening and closing. When the air pressure varies quickly, and the middle ear's pressure destabilizes, it may result in ear pain.
Flying off or landing in an aircraft, scuba diving, or going up a steep mountain are examples of conditions that could induce this disorder. You may feel ear pain for a brief period until it subsides or when the pressure in the middle ear returns to normal.
Ruptured Eardrum
Ruptured eardrums may trigger intense pain initially. The pain may subside fast after the rupture.
Barotrauma is the common cause of a ruptured eardrum and is caused due to atmospheric pressure changes and auditory tube dysfunction. Very loud sounds or trauma caused due to the insertion of foreign objects into the ear, such as Q-tips or bobby pins, may also cause the eardrum to rupture.
A ruptured eardrum may cause temporary hearing loss, dizziness, and bloody ear drainage.
Otitis Media
The medical term for a middle ear infection is otitis media. It's possible that this disorder may induce severe ear pain, which may become worse while lying down. The auditory tube may get blocked and unable to drain, resulting in otitis media. This may happen because of cold or allergy-related congestion.
Because of the angle and the size of the auditory tubes, otitis media is most frequent in infants, although it may also affect adults. Fever, loss of balance, vomiting, nausea, and in severe cases, ear drainage are some of the other symptoms of otitis media.
Chiropractors may help you get relief from ear-related problems. For ear pain treatments, kindly visit The Joint Chiropractic at your nearby location.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Las Vegas, Nev.