Ear pain can be extremely uncomfortable, and sometimes it is hard to diagnose where the pain stems from, as it can be caused by a disease or condition in another part of the body. Bacterial or viral infections, blocked Eustachian tubes, and trauma can all cause pain in either ear. Ear pain may also a result of Meniere’s disease and myringitis. Anything that causes pain in the left ear could also potentially affect the right.
Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, can cause left ear pain when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, causing inflammation and pain. Trauma to the ear from a violent blow, from scratching the ear, or using swabs can also damage the ear canal and cause it to become inflamed. Otitis externa makes the ear sensitive, and it can be painful to touch.
An ear infection in the middle ear between the tympanic membrane and the inner portion of the ear, is referred to as otitis media. The Eustachian tube located in the middle ear can become inflamed and cannot properly drain fluid from the ear, creating pressure, a ringing noise, and pain. If not properly treated, the eardrum could rupture, and pus and fluid will drain into the ear canal. Common colds and viruses usually cause otitis media. Usually, the infection will heal naturally, but antibiotics may be necessary, and those who have chronic infections can have an ear tube inserted to promote normal drainage.
Meniere’s disease is caused by excess fluid in the inner ear in the area that controls balance and hearing. This causes dizziness, tinnitus, and pain, and it commonly only affects one ear. Most treatments will try to suppress the dizziness caused by this disease.
Infectious myringitis is caused by a virus or bacteria that infects the eardrum, and it can cause inflammation, pain, and loss of hearing in the ear. Fluid filled blisters can form within the ear canal and cause bloody discharge to drain from the ear. Antibiotics can be taken to rid the ear of infection if it's caused by a bacteria. Trauma to the ear, including using cotton swabs too frequently or forcefully, may also can lead to inflammation in the eardrum and pain.
Sometimes, left ear pain can be a result of conditions unrelated to the parts of the ear. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder caused by trauma to the jaw, joint inflammation, or grinding of the teeth can create pain that spreads to the ear. Tonsillitis, cervical spine arthritis, eczema, dermatitis, and tetanus can also cause ear pain.