Differential Diagnosis for Ear Pain in Adults
The following is a list of potential causes of ear pain in adults, categorized by likelihood and potential impact.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Otitis Media: This is an infection of the middle ear and is a common cause of ear pain in adults. It can be acute or chronic and is often associated with upper respiratory tract infections.
- Otitis Externa: Also known as swimmer's ear, this is an infection of the outer ear canal. It is common in adults who swim frequently or have compromised ear canal defenses.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This condition occurs when the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes blocked, leading to ear pain and discomfort.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: The TMJ is located near the ear and can cause referred pain to the ear area when it becomes inflamed or irritated.
- Dental Problems: Issues such as tooth abscesses, gum disease, or impacted teeth can cause ear pain due to the close proximity of the teeth and jaw to the ear.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the ears, especially if the Eustachian tube is affected.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Mastoiditis: This is a serious infection of the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as brain abscesses or meningitis.
- Petrous Apicitis: This is a rare but serious infection of the petrous part of the temporal bone, which can lead to complications such as cranial nerve palsies or meningitis.
- Ramsay Hunt Syndrome: This is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can lead to facial paralysis, ear pain, and vertigo.
- Cancer: Although rare, ear pain can be a symptom of various types of cancer, such as acoustic neuroma or parotid gland tumors.
Rare Diagnoses
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: This is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which can cause ear pain, among other symptoms.
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: This is a rare condition that affects the glossopharyngeal nerve, causing severe pain in the ear, throat, and tongue.
- Ototoxicity: This is a condition caused by certain medications or substances that can damage the ear and cause pain, hearing loss, or vertigo.
- Relapsing Polychondritis: This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation and damage to the cartilage in the ear, leading to ear pain and other symptoms.