Pain behind the left ear on the skull

The bone behind the ear lies close to the jaw, upper neck and lymph nodes. Pain that changes when you turn your neck can reflect muscle strain or posture. Ear pressure, reduced hearing or discharge may accompany an ear condition such as middle-ear infection or earwax buildup. A cold, sinusitis or tonsillitis can make nearby glands tender. Redness, swelling or tenderness over the bone, especially with fever, needs prompt examination rather than home treatment.

Keep the area dry and avoid inserting cotton buds, fingers or objects into the ear. Rest the neck, adjust screen height and try gentle shoulder movement if turning the neck is uncomfortable. A warm cloth may soothe muscular ache; use a wrapped cold pack if there is recent swelling. Follow medicine labels and ask a pharmacist about interactions or safe choices. Do not start antibiotic treatment without an assessment, because antibiotics do not treat every cause of ear-area pain.

Seek urgent care for swelling or redness behind the ear, the ear being pushed outward, severe headache, high fever, marked dizziness, facial weakness, confusion or new hearing loss. Arrange an appointment if pain lasts, repeatedly returns, follows an ear infection, or comes with discharge. A clinician can inspect the ear and throat and feel the neck glands.

Ask whether the pain is coming from the ear, jaw, neck or skin, whether hearing should be tested, and which treatment is appropriate. Mention fever, discharge, recent colds, dental symptoms, injury and anything placed in the ear.