What does it mean when your ears are hot

4/27/22 in Blog Posts

What It Means When Your Ears Are Burning (Spiritually & Physically) featuring Dr. Jason Abramowitz

By Rich Mutants

https://richmutant.com/2022/04/21/what-it-means-when-your-ears-are-burning-spiritually-physically-yourtango/


You’ve probably heard the saying that when your ears are burning, it means someone is talking about you.

The idiom dates all the way back to first-century Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder’s 37-volume encyclopedia “Naturalis Historia,” which mentions that it is “universally received that absent persons have warning that others are speaking of them, by the tingling of the ears.”

Of course, sometimes there are some reasonable physical explanations for why ears burn. But when it seems the symptom just cannot be explained, there are spiritual meanings behind burning ears that you can turn to.

If you’re an over-thinker, you may notice that your ears tend to burn. There’s a reason for this! It’s actually been scientifically proven that high levels of brain activity increase blood flow to the carotid artery, which is located on the side of the neck and causes your ear to burn.

Here’s a fun hint: whichever ear is burning will give away which side of your brain you’re using more!
If it’s your outer ear that’s burning, take a look in the mirror to see if it’s red. The skin that covers your ears can burn just like the skin anywhere else on your body.

If the sunburn is accompanied by a fever, weakness or faintness, or low blood pressure, see a doctor immediately.
Ear infections can cause ringing or burning ears. Caused by a virus or bacteria in the middle ear, symptoms of ear infections can vary but often include ear pain, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and drainage from the ear canal along with a burning sensation in your ear.

Sometimes, strong emotions like embarrassment and anger can cause your ears to burn. Called cutaneous flushing, this reaction is caused by increased blood flow to the blood vessels. If this is the case, your burning ears will probably be accompanied by flushed cheeks and a rise in your body temperature.

Just as a rise in body temperature can cause your blood vessels to enlarge, exposure to cold temperatures can cause blood vessels to constrict.

Your ears are full of nerve endings, so “very cold air can be super irritating to them,” Jason Abramowitz, MD, at New York and New Jersey’s ENT and Allergy Associates, explains to Well+Good. This includes your eardrums, which can lead to burning both inside and outside of the ears.

An extremely rare disorder, red ear syndrome (RES) causes a burning sensation and redness of the outer ear that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to a few hours.

If you have recurring and unexplained burning in your ears, be sure to contact your doctor.

This superstition has been passed down for ages. According to the prevailing belief, if your right ear is burning it means someone is talking good about you. On the other hand, if there’s a burning sensation in your left ear, it means someone is speaking ill of or gossiping about you.

Some people also believe that if your right ear is burning it means a woman is speaking highly of you while if it’s your left ear burning it’s a man that’s speaking highly of you.

One superstitious belief about burning ears is that if your left ear burns at night, it brings good fortune in the coming days.
3. Your spirit guides are sending you a message.

Spirit guides send spiritual messages in various ways, such as through vivid dreams and heightened senses. If your ears are burning, it may be your spirit guides trying to make you aware that a message is on its way.

One superstition goes that a burning right ear is a sign that good news is coming. However, if it’s your left ear hot, prepare yourself to receive bad news.

Some people believe that when your right ear starts burning, it means someone you love is close by.
 

Find an ENT & Allergy Associates Doctor Near You, or Explore More Blog Topics

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 2

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 3

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 4

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 5

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 6

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 7

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 8

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 9

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 10

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 11

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 12

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 13

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 14

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 15

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 16

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 17

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 18

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 19

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 20

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 21

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 22

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 23

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 24

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


Page 25

Was this helpful?

The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

Was this helpful?

Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.


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The sensation of burning in, on or around your ear may cause it to feel swollen, inflamed and tender. It may be warm to the touch. Many causes of burning and inflammation are attributed to an infection, which occurs when bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms enter your body. The immune response to these microorganisms is responsible for the typical symptoms of infection, such as redness, warmth and swelling.

An ear burning sensation is often attributed to otitis media with effusion, in which the Eustachian tube of the middle ear becomes blocked with fluid and infected. The Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and permits the drainage of fluid from your middle ear. If fluid builds up, it can cause the middle ear to become infected with bacteria or viruses, causing pain and swelling.

Another source of burning sensation is otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. This condition, which often results from water getting into the outer ear canal, is typically accompanied by burning, swelling and itching. Water remaining in the ear creates a warm, moist environment that encourages the growth of bacteria, such as Pseudomonas. Other causes can contribute to otitis externa, including an infection of the bone at the base of the skull, a foreign object lodged in the ear, and irritation from itching or cleaning the ear. Allergies to earrings or skin conditions, such as eczema, can also produce symptoms of swimmer’s ear.

Burning accompanied by redness around the outer ear and the skin around your ear can be indications of a serious infection that should prompt you to contact your health care provider right away. If you experience tenderness in the bone behind your ear, along with pain and swelling, you could have mastoiditis (infection of the mastoid bone) or a lymph node infection.

Although most ear infections either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they can point to an infection of the bones behind the ear or to a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have any serious symptoms, including swelling of the throat or difficulty breathing; high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit); severe pain or severe headache; swelling and redness of the skin around the ear; or throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone.

Seek prompt medical care if you have any other ear burning sensation that causes you concern.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Certain conditions that cause an ear burning sensation may also involve other body systems.

Ear burning sensation may be accompanied by other localized symptoms including:

  • Crusting or flaking skin
  • Drainage or discharge from the ear
  • Itchy ears
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Rash
  • Redness, warmth or swelling

Ear burning sensation may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Although most ear infections and other causes of ear burning sensation either resolve on their own or with antibiotics, some symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they may indicate an infection of the bones behind the ear or a ruptured eardrum. Ear burning sensation may also be a symptom of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of the following life-threatening symptoms:

High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)

  • Respiratory or breathing problems, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or inability to breathe, labored breathing, wheezing, or choking

  • Severe headache

  • Severe pain

  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips or tongue

  • Throbbing or tenderness behind the ear, especially over the bone

Ear burning sensation has many possible causes, including allergens (agents that cause allergies), infections, autoimmune disorders, or other causes, such as stress.

Ear burning sensation could be an allergic reaction to any of the following:

  • Certain foods

  • Cosmetics, dyes or detergents

  • Industrial chemicals, such as those found in elastic, latex or rubber

  • Insect bites or stings

  • Metals, especially in jewelry

  • Poison ivy or oak

Ear burning sensation can also be caused by infections including:

  • Candidiasis (yeast infection)
  • Chickenpox or shingles (varicella-zoster virus)
  • Mastoiditis (infection of the bone behind the ear)
  • Other bacterial or viral infections
  • Pseudomonal infection (caused by Pseudomonas bacteria)
  • Ringworm

Ear burning sensation can be caused by skin diseases that affect other parts of the body. These include:

  • Eczema (skin rash usually caused by allergic reactions)

  • Neurodermatitis (skin condition of unknown cause characterized by intense itching)

  • Psoriasis (chronic skin disease characterized by dry, scaly silvery patches)

Ear burning sensation can be caused by other factors including:

  • Extreme cold or heat
  • Medications
  • Stress

In some cases, ear burning sensation may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:

  • Anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)
  • Severe infections

To diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your ear burning sensation including:

  • When did you first feel an ear burning sensation?

  • Are you taking any medications?

  • Are you experiencing oozing, pus, or any other discharge from the ear?

  • Do you feel otherwise healthy?

  • Have you tried any new products recently, such as soaps, perfumes or sprays?

  • Have you spent a lot of time outdoors lately?

  • Have you been swimming or scuba diving?

  • Have you recently flown in an airplane or done anything else that exposed you to sudden shifts in altitude or air pressure?

An ear burning sensation is not usually serious, but it is important to determine its underlying cause and rule out a serious infection or allergic reaction. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications.

  • Cholesteatoma (tumor or cyst most commonly found in the middle ear and area of the mastoid bone)

  • Communication difficulties (speech or language impairment)

  • Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear)

  • Meningitis (inflammation of the meninges, a protective membrane of the brain )

  • Recurring ear infections

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Last Review Date: 2021 Jan 4

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.