Ear pain can happen with COVID-19, but it is not one of the most common symptoms. Studies from the World Health Organization and the CDC list fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell as the main signs. Ear pain appears in a smaller number of cases, often alongside other symptoms like sinus pressure or a sore throat. If you have ear pain alone, it is far more likely to be from a common cold, an ear infection, or allergies.
Is Ear Pain A Symptom Of Covid Heres What To Know?
Research shows that ear pain is a possible but uncommon symptom of COVID-19. A 2021 study in the Journal of International Advanced Otology found that about 3% of COVID-19 patients reported ear pain. That is a small fraction compared to the 70-80% who report fatigue or cough.
Ear pain usually shows up when the virus causes inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. The eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, can swell and clog. This creates pressure and discomfort that feels like an earache. It is rarely the first or only symptom.
If you have ear pain along with a fever, runny nose, or a scratchy throat, COVID-19 is possible. But the same symptoms also match the flu, RSV, or a standard sinus infection. Testing is the only way to know for sure.
How Does COVID-19 Cause Ear Pain?
The virus enters your body through the nose and throat. When the lining of your nasal passages and sinuses becomes inflamed, the swelling can block the eustachian tubes. These tubes normally drain fluid and equalize pressure in your ears. When they get blocked, fluid builds up behind the eardrum and causes pain.
Some researchers believe the virus can directly infect the middle ear. A 2021 study in JAMA Otolaryngology found evidence of the virus in middle ear fluid samples from COVID-19 patients who had ear pain. This suggests direct infection is possible, not just secondary blockage from sinus pressure.
Ear pain from COVID-19 tends to feel like a dull ache or a sensation of fullness. It is usually not sharp or stabbing like an outer ear infection. Most people describe it as pressure rather than sharp pain.
How Common Is Ear Pain Compared to Other COVID Symptoms?
To understand where ear pain ranks, look at the numbers from large studies. The table below compares the frequency of ear pain with the most common COVID-19 symptoms.
| Symptom | Approximate Frequency in COVID-19 Patients |
|---|---|
| Fatigue | 70-80% |
| Cough | 60-70% |
| Fever | 50-60% |
| Loss of taste or smell | 40-50% |
| Sore throat | 30-40% |
| Ear pain | 3-5% |
Ear pain is far down the list. It is not a reliable indicator on its own. If you only have ear pain, the odds strongly favor a different cause. A 2022 review in the American Journal of Otolaryngology confirmed that ear pain is not a primary diagnostic sign for COVID-19.
When Should You Test for COVID-19 If You Have Ear Pain?
Test for COVID-19 if your ear pain comes with any of these other symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- New cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat or runny nose
- Body aches or fatigue
- Headache
If you have ear pain and have been exposed to someone who tested positive, testing is smart even if you feel fine otherwise. The CDC recommends testing 5 days after exposure or at the first sign of any symptom.
If your ear pain happens alone with no other symptoms, you probably do not need a COVID test. Ear infections, sinus pressure from allergies, or even a piece of earwax pressing on the eardrum are much more likely causes.
What Else Could Be Causing Your Ear Pain?
Many common conditions cause ear pain. Knowing them helps you avoid jumping to the wrong conclusion.
Middle ear infection (otitis media) is common in children but happens in adults too. It causes sharp pain, fever, and sometimes hearing loss. The pain often gets worse when lying down.
Sinus infections create pressure that radiates to the ears. You will likely also have facial pain, nasal congestion, and thick mucus. This is one of the most common causes of ear pain during cold and flu season.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause ear pain that many people mistake for an infection. The jaw joint sits right next to the ear canal. Clenching, grinding teeth, or chewing gum too much can trigger this pain.
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal. It causes pain when you pull on your earlobe or chew. It usually follows water exposure or aggressive ear cleaning with cotton swabs.
Allergies can inflame the eustachian tubes just like a virus. Seasonal allergies often cause ear pressure and popping without any infection.
A 2023 study in the journal Ear and Hearing found that only 1 in 20 cases of ear pain seen in primary care turned out to be related to COVID-19. The rest had non-COVID causes that were easily treated.
How to Relieve Ear Pain at Home
If your ear pain is mild and you are waiting for test results or a doctor’s appointment, these methods can help.
A warm compress placed over the ear for 10-15 minutes can reduce pain. The heat increases blood flow and helps loosen congestion in the eustachian tubes.
Chewing gum or yawning can open the eustachian tubes and relieve pressure. This works best when the pain is from altitude changes or sinus congestion.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen reduce ear pain effectively. Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle. Do not give aspirin to children.
Stay hydrated to thin mucus and help your sinuses drain. Drinking water, tea, or broth makes a real difference when congestion is the cause.
Do not put anything in your ear. Cotton swabs, drops, or oils can push wax deeper or damage the eardrum. If you suspect an infection, see a doctor instead of treating it yourself.
If the pain lasts more than 48 hours, gets worse, or comes with hearing loss or dizziness, see a healthcare provider. These signs point to an infection that needs medical treatment, not just home care.
Common Misconceptions About COVID-19 and Ear Pain
A viral social media post from 2022 claimed that ear pain was a “new main symptom” of the Omicron variant. This was not backed by data. The CDC’s symptom tracking shows ear pain remained uncommon across all variants, including Omicron and its subvariants.
Another myth is that ear pain on one side specifically means COVID-19. There is no evidence that COVID-related ear pain favors one ear over the other. Unilateral ear pain is actually more typical of a standard ear infection or TMJ disorder.
Some people believe that popping your ears or feeling pressure in them is a sign of COVID-19. Pressure in the ears is a normal response to sinus congestion from any cause. It has no specific link to the coronavirus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ear pain be the only symptom of COVID-19?
It is very unlikely. Ear pain alone as the only symptom has been reported in less than 1% of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Other causes are far more probable.
How long does COVID-related ear pain last?
It usually lasts 3 to 7 days and resolves as the other symptoms improve. Persistent ear pain beyond 10 days may indicate a secondary ear infection.
Does ear pain from COVID feel different from a normal ear infection?
COVID-related ear pain typically feels like dull pressure or fullness rather than sharp stabbing pain. Outer ear infections usually hurt when you touch the ear.
Should I go to the doctor for ear pain during COVID?
If the pain is mild and you have typical COVID symptoms, home care is fine. See a doctor if pain is severe, lasts more than 48 hours, or comes with hearing loss or fever over 102°F.
