Otalgia, or ear pain, may come from a variety of causes.
Primary otalgia originates in the ear itself. Referred otalgia comes from sources near the ear, such as TMJ disorder. Common causes of primary otalgia include infection, middle ear effusion or fluid, and negative middle ear pressure. Negative pressure is seen in patients with Eustachian tube dysfunction. This is a condition often exacerbated by allergies, and leads to ear pain, pressure, popping and crackling. This is frequently treated with medications, but sometimes requires surgical intervention. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, we evaluate and provide treatment for all sources of ear pain.