Earaches are not just childhood complaints. Adults can experience them too, and the cause isn’t always the ear itself. While ear infections and wax build-up are common triggers, persistent ear pain may begin in the sinuses.
Understanding the sinuses
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the bones of the face that filter air, protect against infection and even dictate the tone of your voice. When they become inflamed or blocked through infections or allergies, mucus and pressure build up.
How the problem spreads
Inflammation can extend to the eustachian tubes, small passageways which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This compromises drainage and the balance of air pressure.
When the eustachian tubes are obstructed, fluid may collect in the middle ear, causing discomfort or sharp, aching pain. Sometimes this pressure alone causes symptoms even without a full-blown ear infection.
Symptoms of infection
Typical signs of sinus trouble include congestion, postnasal drip, headaches, and facial pain. If these accompany your earache, the two issues may be connected.
Getting help
You may not need to turn to your GP. There are over 4,000 audiologists in the UK, such as imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol/, whose expertise enables them to diagnose sinus problems. Private providers operate from independent clinics and high street chains, while NHS audiologists are based in hospitals. For example, an NHS hearing test Bristol, can be carried out at St Michael’s, Southmead, or one of several satellite clinics.
Whichever route you follow, treating underlying sinus congestion or infection can bring lasting relief from stubbornly recurrent ear pain.
