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What causes pain at the base of the ear?

Nov 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
In general, ear root pain may be caused by excessive pressure, improper sleeping posture, external otitis, acute mastoiditis, temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, avoid forcefully pressing or squeezing the ear root, and maintain proper sleeping posture to reduce localized pressure.

Under normal circumstances, ear root pain may be caused by excessive pressure, improper sleeping posture, external otitis, acute mastoiditis, temporomandibular joint disorder syndrome, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Pressure

Repeatedly pressing the ear root forcefully can cause local soft tissue compression and injury, leading to pain. Immediately stop the pressing action, apply a warm towel gently to relieve discomfort, and avoid touching the painful area again.

2. Improper Sleeping Posture

Long-term sleeping on one side continuously compresses the ear root, impairing local blood circulation and causing soreness and pain. Adjust sleeping posture by adopting a supine or alternating lateral position. Massaging the ear root before sleep may help improve circulation.

3. External Otitis

Bacterial infection of the external auditory canal causes inflammation, which may spread to the ear root area, resulting in pain accompanied by itching inside the ear. Treatment under medical guidance may include levofloxacin hydrochloride ear drops, cefaclor capsules, and hydrogen peroxide solution. Keep the ear canal clean and dry.

4. Acute Mastoiditis

Inflammation spreads from otitis media to the mastoid process, causing congestion, edema, and inflammation of the mastoid bone and mucosa, leading to severe ear root pain along with fever. Under medical supervision, medications such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets, cefotaxime sodium injection, and ibuprofen tablets may be used. Surgical mastoidectomy with drainage is required if an abscess forms.

5. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Syndrome

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint leads to uneven stress during chewing, causing pain that radiates to the ear root and worsens when opening the mouth. Medications such as diclofenac sodium gel, glucosamine sulfate capsules, and sustained-release ibuprofen capsules may be used as directed by a physician. In severe cases, arthroscopic disc repair surgery may be necessary.

In daily life, avoid forcefully pressing or squeezing the ear root; maintain proper sleeping posture to reduce localized pressure; practice good ear hygiene to prevent infections; avoid chewing hard foods on one side to protect the temporomandibular joint, and seek medical attention promptly if persistent pain occurs.

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