Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/27/2008

Question
Hello,
I am looking for answers on reoccuring ear aches I've had for over 25 years.

I cannot sleep on my right ear without getting an ear ache (& redness) after about 30 or so minutes. All my life I have had to sleep on my left side only. I've been to many doctors & they've checked if the right ear was superficially abnormal or not symmetical to the other ear, which it wasn't. They also had a CT scan of temporal bone axial & coronal views- right otalgia, which also turned out fine. The right ear doesn't bother me when I'm upright except in extreme cold weather (Again I'd have a ear ache).

I am 38 years old & do not want to deal with this problem for the remainder of my life. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you. Sincerely, Laurie

Answer
Hi Laurie,
Is it possible that you grind your teeth or have temporal mandibular joint disorder (TMJ)?  A dentist would be able to tell. Also, have you been to a neurologist?  Perhaps the nerve on the side of your face becomes inflammed when you sleep on that side. One other thought is that the pressure of sleeping on that ear is causing your outer canal to collapse and causing a slight change in middle ear pressure.  You might want to consult with an audiologist who could make you a custom earmold that will keep your canal open during the night.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology