If you are experiencing ear pain while exercising, you may have an underlying condition that is causing the problem. There are a variety of issues that could be the culprit, including jaw disorders, high blood pressure and digestive problems. If you experience exercise-related earaches consistently, consult your physician for diagnosis or treatment.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the measurement of the amount of pressure against your arteries as your blood pumps through your body. If the blood pressure is too high, it can lead to health problems over time. Most of the time, there are no symptoms associated with high blood pressure, but, when you exercise, your blood pressure increases temporarily. Ear ringing, which can be painful, is one possible symptom of high blood pressure, and you may not notice it until you are exercising. If you have high blood pressure or have not had your blood pressure checked recently, consult a doctor immediately. Ringing in the ears can be a sign of malignant high blood pressure, which means it is dangerously high.
TMJ
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders are the result of problems with your jaw bone and the muscle that connect it to the skull. The term TMJ is used to denote the jaw joint and muscles as well as problems or symptoms associated with it. Many of the symptoms associated with TMJ are the result of physical stress on the structures around the joint. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching are common culprits. Putting stress on your jaw, neck or shoulders during exercise can cause the symptoms of TMJ to become noticeable. In addition to earaches, other symptoms can include headache, difficulty opening your jaw, jaw pain and a popping or clicking noise when you open your mouth. Consult your dentist or doctor to check for TMJ.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a chronic digestive disease that results when stomach acid or bile flows back -- refluxes -- into your esophagus, more commonly referred to as your wind pipe. The most typical symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest and throat, but earaches and ear pain can occur, as well, according to Dr. Todd Eisner at the Health Central website, due to the connection between the ear and throat through the Eustachian tube. Exercising can make the symptoms of GERD worse, according to Eisner.
Ruptured Eardrum
Damage to the eardrum can cause an earache when you are exercising. Trauma, infection, foreign objects in the ear and being in an environment where there is a difference in the pressure inside the ear and out, such as when diving deep underwater or flying, all can cause the eardrum to rupture. In addition to pain, symptoms can include ringing in the ears, dizziness and drainage from the ear. It's best to avoid intense exercises or any type of physical activity that require movement of the head if you have a ruptured eardrum due to the risk of pain and dizziness, which could lead to a fall. A doctor can easily examine your ear using an otoscope to check for damage to the eardrum.
Considerations
Ear pain can be the result of something simple, such as running in cold weather or wearing ear buds that are too tight, but if it happens consistently, it is due to an underlying disorder. The variety of possible causes may mean you have to consult with several specialists, but it's always best to consult with your primary care doctor first. She can refer you to the appropriate specialist if that is what is needed.
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