What Causes Ear Pain and Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a common phenomenon in daily life. Sometimes, tinnitus occurs alongside ear pain—what causes ear pain accompanied by tinnitus?

What Causes Ear Pain Accompanied by Tinnitus?

When patients experience ear pain and tinnitus, it is often due to inflammation within the ear—most commonly acute otitis externa or acute otitis media—accompanied by significant exudate accumulation in the ear canal or middle ear. As a result, patients may perceive a persistent buzzing or ringing sound (tinnitus) along with pronounced ear pain. In many cases, this stems from emotional stress or “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to inflammatory or hyperactive physiological states), which may trigger localized swelling or growths within the ear. Patients frequently report concurrent pain and tinnitus. Alternatively, water entering the ear—such as during hair washing, bathing, or swimming—can also provoke these symptoms.

Water entering the deeper parts of the ear during activities like shampooing, bathing, or swimming predisposes individuals to acute otitis externa or acute suppurative otitis media. Recurrent inflammation may further lead to cholesteatoma formation, which can trigger both tinnitus and ear pain. Treatment typically begins with cleansing the ear canal using hydrogen peroxide to remove secretions. Once the canal is thoroughly cleaned, topical anti-inflammatory therapy with levofloxacin ear drops is administered. Oral antibiotics may also be prescribed—commonly azithromycin dispersible tablets—taken regularly for one week. With successful resolution of the inflammation, both ear pain and tinnitus usually improve significantly.

It is recommended that individuals maintain regular physical exercise to strengthen their immune system and reduce susceptibility to ear infections. The above information is for reference only. Specific medications should be selected and used under the guidance of an otolaryngology specialist, based on individual clinical circumstances. We hope this article has been helpful. Wishing you a joyful life and good health!