Why You Experience Sharp Pain Behind the Ear That Comes and Goes

Experiencing a sharp pain behind the ear that comes and goes can be unsettling and uncomfortable. Many people report stabbing pain behind the ear, intermittent discomfort, or muscle tension that seems to travel toward the skull or jaw. This type of pain can be linked to different structures near the ear, including nerves, muscles, joints, and even the ear itself. Sometimes the pain is minor and temporary, but in other cases it may signal an underlying issue that needs attention.

Understanding the causes and accompanying symptoms helps you take proper care and seek the right treatment. Services like hearing tests or ear measurements can help identify whether your pain is linked to ear health or other nearby structures.

What Does a Sharp Pain Behind the Ear Feel Like?

When someone says they have a sharp pain behind the ear that comes and goes, they usually mean a sudden, brief pain that may feel like a sting, jab, or electric shock. This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interrupts daily activities.

Some people describe it as:

• A quick jabbing sensation
• A short burst of pain that lasts seconds to minutes
• Intermittent pain that occurs irregularly
• Pain that worsens when moving the head or chewing

This type of pain is different from constant dull aches. It’s often associated with nerve irritation or muscle tension.

Common Areas of Pain Around the Ear

Before we explore causes, it helps to know where pain can occur around the ear:

• Behind the ear (mastoid area)
• Top of the skull near the ear
• Temple region
• Jaw near the ear (TMJ area)
• Neck and base of skull

Each area can point to different potential causes.

Common Causes of Sharp Pain Behind Ear That Comes and Goes

There are several reasons you might feel a sharp, intermittent pain behind your ear. Below are the most common ones.

1. Nerve‑Related Pain (Neuralgia)

Nerves around the head and neck can become irritated or compressed, leading to sudden, sharp pains known as nerve ear pain. This may include:

• Occipital neuralgia – irritation of the occipital nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord to the scalp
• Trigeminal nerve irritation – affecting facial sensation

These types of nerve pain often feel like stabbing or electric bursts.

2. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues

TMJ disorders affect the joint that connects your jaw to your skull, located right in front of the ear. When this joint is strained or inflamed, it can cause pain that radiates behind or around the ear, especially when chewing or yawning.

3. Ear Infections

Infections of the outer ear or middle ear can cause pain that feels like it’s behind the ear. The pain may come and go and sometimes be accompanied by a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or discharge.

If the ear involvement is suspected, a hearing test such as pure tone audiometry can check for hearing changes that may link pain with ear function. Detailed hearing assessments may also include tympanometry to check middle ear pressure and membrane movement.

4. Muscle Strain or Tension

Muscles in the neck, scalp, and around the ear can become tense after poor posture, stress, or sleeping awkwardly. This can lead to intermittent pain behind the ear or toward the skull.

5. Mastoid Bone Issues

Just behind the ear is the mastoid bone, which contains air cells that connect with the middle ear. Inflammation or infection in this area (mastoiditis) can cause localized pain, though this is less common and usually accompanies other symptoms.

6. Dental and Jaw Problems

Dental issues like impacted wisdom teeth, tooth infections, or grinding (bruxism) can create referred pain that feels like it’s coming from behind the ear.

7. Sinus Pressure and Congestion

Sinus infections and pressure can irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, causing pain that seems to radiate toward the ear and skull.

8. Head Injury or Whiplash

Trauma to the head, neck, or jaw area—such as in a fall or car accident—can lead to muscle strain, nerve irritation, and skull pain near the ear.

Other Symptoms That May Accompany Pain Behind the Ear

If you have a sharp pain behind ear that comes and goes, you may also notice:

• Dizziness or unsteadiness
• Ringing or buzzing in the ear
• Muffled hearing
• Tenderness when touching the area
• Pain when chewing or opening your mouth wide
• Headache near the back of the skull or temple

A professional evaluation, such as at The Hearing Centre, can determine whether pain is ear-related, nerve-related, or from another cause.

When Does Nerve Pain Cause Sharp Ear Pain?

Nerve‑related pain can occur when nerves become irritated or compressed. One common type is occipital pain, which involves the occipital nerves at the base of the skull. This can cause:

• Jolts of pain near the back of the head
• Pain behind the ear on one or both sides
• Pain that travels along the scalp

This pain may happen randomly and feel intense but short‑lived.

How Ear Issues Can Lead to Pain Behind the Ear

The ear is a complex organ with many nearby structures. Even if the pain is felt behind the ear, the ear itself may be involved in the underlying cause.

Symptoms that suggest ear involvement include:

• Fluid discharge
• Reduced hearing
• Fullness or pressure in the ear
• Ringing or buzzing sound
• Sensitivity to sound

Comprehensive tests like ABR/ASSR help distinguish ear-related pain from TMJ or neural causes. These tests help distinguish whether pain is linked to ear dysfunction or to a separate issue in the jaw or skull region.

How Medical Evaluations Help

Diagnosing the exact cause of pain behind the ear often requires a careful medical evaluation. A doctor may:

• Review your medical history
• Examine your head, neck, jaw, and ears
• Check your posture and muscle tension
• Assess your teeth and jaw alignment

Specialized services like ear measurements help map structures around the ear for better diagnosis.

Self‑Care for Sharp Pain Behind the Ear

If your pain is occasional and mild, simple self‑care may help:

1. Gentle Stretching and Relaxation

Neck and shoulder stretches can ease muscle tension that contributes to skull pain near the ear.

2. Warm Compress

A warm compress behind the ear can reduce muscle strain and help with circulation.

3. Correct Posture

Poor posture—especially when working on screens—can strain neck muscles, leading to pain that comes and goes.

4. Avoid Chewing Hard Foods

If chewing triggers pain, softer foods may reduce strain on the jaw and TMJ.

5. Stress Management

Tension and stress can cause muscle tightness around the jaw and neck. Calm breathing, light exercise, or gentle yoga can help reduce this.

When to See a Healthcare Professional

If your pain is:

• Persisting for more than a few days
• Severe or worsening
• Accompanied by hearing changes
• Linked with dizziness
• Accompanied by fever or swelling

You should seek medical care promptly.

ENT specialists may recommend a hearing test or further evaluations. Treatments can include physical therapy, medication for nerve pain, or specialized procedures.

Signs That Suggest More Serious Conditions

Occasionally, a stabbing pain behind ear reflects a more serious condition:

1. Significant Hearing Change

If you notice noticeable hearing loss with the pain, professional evaluation is recommended.

2. Severe Dizziness or Vertigo

This may indicate inner ear involvement or nerve irritation near the skull.

3. Persistent or Worsening Pain

Pain that does not respond to rest or self‑care should be checked.

4. Tenderness, Redness, or Warmth

Signs of infection or inflammation require medical attention.

A comprehensive ear and head evaluation—with options like tympanometry—can give doctors a clearer picture of middle ear function.

Treatment Options Based on Cause

Muscle and Posture‑Related Pain

• Stretching and physical therapy
• Posture correction techniques
• Massage therapy

TMJ‑Related Pain

• Mouth guards (for teeth grinding)
• Jaw exercises
• Anti‑inflammatory medication (as advised by a doctor)

Nerve Pain

• Medications that reduce nerve irritation
• Specialized nerve therapies

Ear‑Related Pain

• Infection management with medication
• Ear pressure relief techniques
• Regular monitoring through hearing tests

Long‑Term Strategies to Manage Intermittent Pain

Living with intermittent pain that comes and goes can be frustrating. Here are some long‑term tips:

Keep Track of Triggers

Note when the pain occurs and what activity you were doing—this helps your doctor identify patterns.

Stay Hydrated and Healthy

Dehydration and poor nutrition can make muscle and nerve pain worse.

Regular Checkups

Regular monitoring through hearing tests

Mind‑Body Practices

Practices like breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle stretching can reduce muscle tension that contributes to pain.

Conclusion

A sharp pain behind ear that comes and goes can have many causes, ranging from muscle tension and TMJ issues to nerve irritation and ear‑related problems. Paying attention to your symptoms, understanding what makes the pain worse or better, and seeking professional care when needed can help you manage discomfort and protect your long‑term hearing and health.

When pain is linked to the ear or affects hearing, a professional evaluation—including relevant hearing tests or assessments like ear measurements—can provide clarity on the best way forward. Taking care of your posture, stress levels, and jaw movement can also make a big difference in reducing pain and improving your daily comfort.