Nearly 80% of people with TMJ report ear symptoms , with ear pain being the most common. If you have ear infection symptoms that persist, recur, or don't respond to treatment, you may have TMJ.

Can ear problems affect your jaw?

An ear infection can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth. In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections.

What does TMJ ear pain feel like?

Normally TMJ related ear pain is a dull ache. Although it can be sharp, it is more common to have an occasional sharp sensation superimposed upon the dull ache. Likewise, the pain usually worsens with jaw movement. This suggests that TMJ dysfunction is related to the ear discomfort.