Why does my ear hurt when I eat?

Eating may cause ear pain for several reasons.

1. Excessive chewing force: When eating overly hard foods, increased chewing force may overstretch the ear, causing sharp or pulling pain.

2. Excessive mental stress: Prolonged mental tension due to life or work pressure may lead to ear nerve stimulation during eating, causing localized sharp pain or cramping.

3. Excess internal heat (commonly known as "fire"): Consuming overly spicy foods, such as hot pot or barbecue, may result in excessive internal heat, potentially causing ear pain, mouth ulcers, and other symptoms.

4. Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat and helps balance pressure inside and outside the ear. Swallowing during eating may worsen pressure imbalance in the ear, causing pain.

5. Other issues: Dental problems such as tooth decay or pulpitis may also cause ear pain through nerve conduction.

Ear pain while eating can have various causes; it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to determine the exact cause through examination and receive appropriate treatment.