Conditions that can cause pain in the right ear are varied, but are most often due to infection or trauma. Other causes can be nerve damage, something physically stuck in the ear, or a growth or tumor. The pain can also come from some other condition or from another part of the body, known as "referred" pain.
Infection is one of the most common causes of right ear pain. Symptoms will most often reflect the location of the infection. Infections of the external ear canal, known as swimmer's ear, will cause pain in the outer ear and possibly hearing loss as well. Middle ear infections are usually caused by a cold or upper respiratory infection and have the same symptoms as outer ear infections, but patients may also experience balance-related problems such as vertigo or dizziness. Medical attention should be sought if an infection is suspected.
When trauma is the cause of pain in the right ear, the cause is usually quite obvious. Typical causes of trauma are a loud noise, a pounding in the ear, or a blow to the ear, such as during an athletics event or a car accident. Hearing loss and ear pain are usually the main symptoms. Sometimes the ear will bleed or become red and swollen. Changes in air pressure, such as when flying or diving, can also cause right ear pain.
Whether caused by infection or trauma, pain in the right ear will almost always be treated in some way, such as a protective bandage, antibiotics, or both. Occasionally, home remedies may be enough, but whatever the cause, it's almost always a good idea to see a doctor. The ear is a delicate mechanism and there is always a risk of permanent damage and hearing loss if left untreated.
There are other less common causes of pain in the right ear. Tumors or a growth in the ear, either caused by a cancerous growth or an infection of the ear skin, such as a boil, can cause pain. Sometimes ear pain is caused by referred pain, which is pain from another area of the body radiating to the ear. There can be many causes of referred pain, but they usually involve problems with the jaw area, head, or tongue. An example of this is trigeminal neuralgia, an inflammation of the nerve along the face that often refers pain to the ear.