Pain in jaw and ear

Pain in the jaw and ear is often associated, since the temporomandibular joint is located in close proximity to the auditory canal (the front wall of the auditory canal forms part of the temporomandibular joint socket). A fracture of the auditory canal can therefore also cause pain in the jaw. A fracture of the auditory canal is particularly common after a blow to the ear.

This automatically affects the outer part of the ear – the auricle and the external auditory canal. There is pain when chewing, impaired hearing, and possibly a lockjaw. The therapy depends on the severity of the fracture.

While conservative therapy is sufficient for small fractures, surgical treatment is required for severe fractures. The jaw is also involved in creating a pressure equalization between the middle ear and throat. The throat and middle ear are connected by a muscular tube.

This tube (lat. : “Tuba tympani”) is closed in its basic state and is only opened when yawning, for example. It is also possible to cause the opening intentionally by imitating the “yawning movement”.This may be necessary when driving through a tunnel or sitting in an airplane.

However, if the pressure is very strong, it can cause pain in the jaw and ear. The pain can radiate to the outer areas of the ear, such as the pinna and the external auditory canal. Especially if the jaw is already damaged, this pressure equalization can cause great pain. Therefore, flights are not recommended in this situation.

Auricular pain in the child

With a child, completely different causes must be considered than with an adult. Children like to put objects into their mouth or even their ear. Of course, they are not aware of the danger and often cannot express their pain.

Typical are rather screaming and noticeably frequent touching of the auricle. Sometimes the cause of pain in children’s ears and auricles is quite simple: While we adults at least occasionally remove earwax (lat. : cerumen) from our ears, children do not do this themselves.

Over time, hearing loss on the one hand and pain on the other hand can develop. Children also have a much thinner tuba auditiva, which is why it is laid much more quickly in case of swelling. This also results in more severe pain than in adults.

This can be the case especially with colds or a measles infection. In winter, sensitive temperatures can quickly lead to “frozen ears”. While adults put on a cap, a child often cannot assess the pain properly and ignores it, or puts it on something else. Therefore: In cold winter months, always make sure you have enough warm clothes and a cap!