Cheek and ear pain: what it may mean and what to do

Pain that worsens with chewing, jaw movement or teeth sensitivity may be referred from the jaw or mouth rather than the ear. Pressure in the cheek with a blocked or runny nose can occur with sinusitis. Ear fullness or reduced hearing may point toward earwax buildup, while ear pain with a sore throat can occur with tonsillitis or a middle-ear infection. A common cold can also create congestion and pressure around the ear and face. A symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Rest, drink fluids, and avoid putting cotton buds, drops or other objects into the ear unless a clinician has advised them. A warm—not hot—compress against the cheek or ear may be soothing. Follow the label for any suitable pain medicine and check with a pharmacist first if you are pregnant, have kidney or stomach problems, or take other medicines. Do not use leftover antibiotics; they help only when a clinician identifies a bacterial infection. A clinician can examine the ear, throat, jaw and teeth, and arrange ear wax removal when wax is blocking the canal.

Arrange medical advice if pain is severe, lasts beyond a short period, keeps returning, or comes with hearing change, discharge, swelling, dental pain or difficulty opening the mouth. Seek urgent help for swelling behind the ear, a very unwell appearance, facial weakness, severe headache, stiff neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, or sudden hearing loss. Children, people with diabetes, and people with reduced immunity should seek advice sooner.

Could the pain be coming from my ear, sinuses, jaw, teeth or throat? Do I need an ear examination or hearing check? What symptoms would mean I should return urgently? If wax or infection is found, which treatment is appropriate?