Ear pain can take a major toll on your daily life — especially when it’s persistent and severe, making it hard to concentrate, sleep, and get through your day. Many people assume a painful ear means an infection, but the cause could be anything from a sinus blockage to stomach acid reaching the throat. At Atkins Expert Sinus Care, our team can diagnose the source of your ear pain and find a treatment that brings meaningful relief.
Our providers can address a wide range of painful ear conditions, including:
Ear Fullness and Popping
If you’re noticing ear fullness or popping, you may have Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tubes normally help regulate air pressure in the ears, but when they’re blocked, unequal pressure can build up and leave you feeling like your head is underwater.
Earaches
Middle ear infections are among the most common causes of earaches, occurring when fluid gets trapped behind the eardrum and bacteria begin to grow. Swimmer’s ear — when moisture gets caught in the ear canal — can also lead to an earache.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems
The ears, nose, and throat are all connected, so a problem in one area can lead to issues in another. Sinus infections (sinusitis) can cause facial pressure that radiates to the ears, and severe throat infections like strep throat or tonsillitis can cause referred pain.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic digestive condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. While it’s mostly associated with heartburn, severe acid reflux can reach the upper throat and nasal passages. When stomach acid irritates the openings of the Eustachian tubes, it can cause inflammation, swelling, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, sometimes with a persistent cough.
Ear pain rarely occurs on its own. Most people notice several symptoms that, taken together, point to an underlying issue. Be on the lookout for these warning signs:
Ear pain can come from many sources, so getting an accurate diagnosis may require several tests. The process often looks like this:
Once we know the root cause of your earache, we can discuss treatment. Options vary depending on your circumstances, but we may suggest one of the following:
Whether you’re dealing with constant crackling in your ear or the signs of an infection, Atkins Expert Sinus Care is here to help. We specialize in a wide range of sinus conditions and are well-versed in general ear pain. Our providers can assess your condition and build a treatment plan tailored to you. Get in touch with our San Antonio, TX team today to make an appointment.
Don’t let chronic sinus and nasal infections take control of your life. Book your consultation today for lasting relief.
Atkins Sinus Expert Care is committed to providing personalized care, cutting-edge equipment, and a level of experience you won't find elsewhere.
Otolaryngologist, Founder of Atkins Expert Sinus Care
Otolaryngologist, Fellowship-Trained Rhinologist
Physician Assistant
Book through our online patient portal and let us know some of the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Our team will review your symptoms at your visit and decide what diagnostic tests are needed to get to the root of your problem.
Once the diagnostic tests are done, our team will review them and make a plan of care for you. At that time, they will discuss whether you are a candidate for one of our procedures.
Our articles can help you better understand our services and also inform you about various topics related to your sinuses.
You’ve made the decision – balloon sinuplasty is on the calendar. Now the question shifts from should I do this? To what happens after? That’s a good place to be. Knowing what your balloon sinuplasty recovery looks like, day by day, takes most of the uncertainty out of the process. The reassuring part: recovery after […]
Discover the power of essential oils for chronic sinusitis relief.
Learn effective and simple techniques to stop a nosebleed quickly and efficiently.
