Suddenly felt sharp pain in the ear while using headphones
Jun 05, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Sudden episodes of ear pain while using headphones may be due to physiological factors or pathological conditions such as otitis media or external otitis. Listening at high volumes or wearing headphones for prolonged periods can irritate the eardrum and cause pain. It is recommended that users avoid setting the volume too high when using headphones to prevent eardrum damage and symptoms such as hearing loss and pain.
Intermittent ear pain while using headphones may be caused by physiological factors, or it could result from pathological conditions such as otitis media or external otitis. The condition can be improved through general treatments or medications. Specific analyses are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
If the volume is too high or headphones are worn for prolonged periods, the eardrum may become irritated, leading to pain. It is recommended that users avoid setting the volume too loud when wearing headphones to prevent eardrum damage and symptoms such as hearing loss and pain.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Otitis Media
If headphones are not properly cleaned or disinfected, bacteria may invade the ear canal and cause inflammation. When wearing headphones, sound stimulation may aggravate the inflammation, resulting in pain. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefozopran sodium for injection or boric acid solution to clean the ear canal.
2. External Otitis
Prolonged exposure to a moist environment may allow bacterial invasion, causing diffuse inflammation of the outer ear canal skin. This often leads to symptoms such as swelling and pain in the external auditory canal, which may worsen when using headphones. Treatment may include topical medications such as hydrocortisone cream or betamethasone cream, used as directed by a physician.
In addition to the above causes, ear pain may also result from cerumen impaction, ear canal eczema, or bullous myringitis. If pain persists after removing the headphones, patients should seek timely medical attention.
