Left ear pain can be extremely painful and uncomfortable, and sometimes it is hard to diagnose where the pain stems from, as it can be caused by a disease or condition in another part of the body. Bacterial or viral infections, blocked Eustachian tubes, and trauma can all cause left ear pain. Ear pain is also a result of Meniere’s disease and myringitis.

Otitis externa, also known as swimmer’s ear, can cause left ear pain when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, causing inflammation and pain. Trauma to the ear from a violent blow, from scratching the ear, or using swabs can also damage the ear canal and cause it to become inflamed. Otitis externa makes the ear sensitive, and it can be painful to touch.

An ear infection in the middle ear between the tympanic membrane and the inner portion of the ear is referred to as otitis media. The Eustachian tube located in the middle ear can become inflamed and cannot properly drain fluid from the ear, creating pressure, tinnitus, and left ear pain. If not properly treated, the eardrum could rupture, and pus and fluid will drain into the ear canal. Common colds and viruses usually cause otitis media. Usually the infection will heal naturally but antibiotics may be necessary, and those who have chronic infections can have an ear tube inserted to promote normal drainage from the ear.

Meniere’s disease is caused by excess fluid in the inner ear in an area that controls balance and hearing. This causes dizziness, tinnitus, and pain, and it commonly only affects one ear. Most treatments will try to suppress the dizziness caused by Meniere’s disease.

Myringitis is a contagious disease caused by a trauma to the eardrum, canal, or inner membrane, and causes inflammation, pain, and loss of hearing in the ear. Both using cotton swabs too frequently or forcefully as well as barotrauma can lead to myringitis. Fluid filled blisters can form within the ear canal and cause bloody discharge to drain from the ear. Antibiotics can be taken to rid the ear of infection.

Sometimes left ear pain can be a result of other conditions unrelated to the parts of the ear. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder caused by trauma to the jaw, joint inflammation, or grinding of the teeth can create pain that spreads to the ear. Tonsillitis, cervical spine arthritis, eczema, dermatitis, and tetanus can also cause pain in the left ear.