Differential Diagnosis for Ear Pressure

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Eustachian tube dysfunction: This condition is the most common cause of ear pressure, as it affects the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, leading to difficulty in equalizing ear pressure.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Middle ear infection (otitis media): Bacterial or viral infections can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, leading to ear pressure and discomfort.
  • Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause referred pain and pressure in the ears.
  • Allergies: Seasonal or environmental allergies can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction and ear pressure.
  • Cold or upper respiratory infection: Viral infections can cause Eustachian tube dysfunction and ear pressure.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Temporal bone fracture: A fracture in the temporal bone can cause severe ear pressure, hearing loss, and other complications.
  • Mastoiditis: A bacterial infection of the mastoid bone can cause severe ear pressure, fever, and other symptoms.
  • Petrous apicitis: A rare bacterial infection of the petrous apex can cause severe ear pressure, headache, and other symptoms.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Otosclerosis: A rare condition that affects the middle ear bones, causing hearing loss and ear pressure.
  • Meniere's disease: A rare inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss, and ear pressure.
  • Acoustic neuroma: A rare benign tumor that grows on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, causing ear pressure, hearing loss, and other symptoms.