Waking up to a sore throat or ear pain is no fun, but experiencing both simultaneously? What a pain—literally! When you consider that the ears, nose, and throat are connected, it’s no wonder a sore throat and ear pain often occur together.

A sore throat can indeed cause ear pain due to this interconnectedness. The inflammation and irritation in the throat can radiate to the ear, leading to discomfort.

Here, we explore ear pain and sore throat symptoms and causes and share remedies and treatments to help you get back in tip-top shape.

When you have a sore throat, it might feel dry and scratchy, and you could find it painful to swallow or cough. A sore throat is a common symptom of allergies, a cold or other upper respiratory infections.

Ear pain, on the other hand, is more likely in children than adults but can occur at any age. Ear pain might feel dull, sharp or like a burning sensation. Or, if you have a cold, your ear—or ears—might feel plugged. 

Sore throat and earache with no fever can be caused by several conditions. Commonly, this combination may indicate a viral infection, such as the common cold, which can lead to throat irritation and ear discomfort without accompanying fever. Allergies and postnasal drip can also result in these symptoms due to inflammation and mucus accumulation, causing a sore throat and ear pain.

In contrast, sore throat and ear pain with fever often suggest a more serious infection, such as bacterial tonsillitis or ear infection (otitis media). The presence of fever typically indicates that the body is fighting an infection, and the inflammation can cause pain in both the throat and ears. In these cases, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

You likely have a handful of questions. Can sore throats cause ear pain? Are my sore throat and ear pain related? And perhaps most pressing, what is the root of this discomfort? There are many possible causes, including the following: 

Experiencing a sore throat and earache on just one side either the left or the right can indicate several conditions, including:

• Unilateral ear infection: An ear infection on one side can cause pain that radiates to the throat on the same side;
• Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils may lead to pain localized to one side, which can also affect the ear;
• Pharyngitis: Infection or inflammation of the throat often results in localized pain, sometimes affecting only one ear;
• Sinus infection: A sinus infection can create pressure and pain in one ear and throat, especially if it affects only one side of the sinuses;
• Dental issues: Dental problems, like a tooth abscess, can cause pain that radiates to the ear and throat on the affected side.

An earache with a sore throat often signals an underlying infection affecting the upper respiratory tract. This combination can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nasal congestion or cough, and highlights the interconnectedness of these areas in the body.

A headache accompanied by earache and a sore throat may be a sign of various conditions. Most commonly, a sinus infection or sinus congestion can cause pressure in the head, leading to a headache, while trapped fluid in the ears results in ear pain. Postnasal drip from this congestion can irritate the throat as well. In other cases, tension headaches can trigger discomfort in nearby areas, such as the ears and throat. 

Experiencing jaw pain, earache, and a sore throat together can be caused by several interconnected conditions. One common issue is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder, where jaw dysfunction can lead to pain that radiates to the ears and throat. Ear infections or Eustachian tube dysfunction can also result in ear and jaw pain, as well as throat discomfort. Another possibility is tonsillitis or pharyngitis, where throat inflammation can cause referred pain to the jaw and ears. 

A combination of earache, sore throat, and runny nose is typically associated with upper respiratory infections. Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, often cause these symptoms as the virus inflames the respiratory tract. The runny nose is a result of excess mucus production, which can also irritate the throat. Additionally, earaches can occur due to pressure or fluid buildup in the ears, often caused by nasal congestion or Eustachian tube dysfunction. Allergies might also cause similar symptoms.

A combination of sore throat, earache, and cough often suggests an upper respiratory infection. Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, commonly cause these symptoms as they lead to inflammation in the throat and ears, resulting in soreness and referred pain. The cough may develop as a response to throat irritation or excess mucus production. Additionally, conditions like sinus infections can cause postnasal drip, leading to a sore throat, ear discomfort, and a persistent cough.

A canker sore, combined with throat and earache, could be related to several factors. Canker sores, or aphthous ulcers, are painful sores inside the mouth that can cause discomfort when eating or speaking. If a canker sore is located near the throat, it may cause referred pain to the ear, as the throat and ear are connected by nerves. Viral infections, such as a cold, can also cause mouth ulcers, along with throat and ear pain due to inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.

A combination of sore throat, neck pain, and earache often suggests underlying issues related to the neck. Muscle strain or tension in the neck, possibly due to poor posture and stress can lead to discomfort that radiates to the throat and ears. Conditions like tonsillitis may also lead to swelling in the throat, which can create pressure and discomfort in the neck region. Furthermore, swollen lymph nodes in the neck due to infections can contribute to pain and tenderness in both the throat and ears. 

Luckily, there are many treatments to alleviate a sore throat and earache. While some are safe to try at home, others require a medical professional. Read on for how to treat ear pain and sore throat. 

Make an appointment to see a doctor immediately if a high fever or stiff neck accompanies your sore throat and ear pain. If you experience any of the following, head to the emergency room for immediate attention: difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling or a high-pitched sound when breathing (also known as stridor).