The sensation of "shooting" in the ear is a fairly common symptom and is for sure familiar to almost everyone. Such a symptom can be either single, last for a short time and arise occasionally, and also be accompanied by pain in the ear and other uncomfortable manifestations. We will learn what the reason for these phenomena can be hidden.
Why periodically "shoots" in the ear without pain?
Most often this condition is provoked by an involuntary rapid contraction of the muscles of the middle ear - pulling and stirrup, which in this case pushes the air. Therefore, it seems that short, dull shots are heard in the ears.
Another, less common cause of such sensations can be a spasm of the pharyngeal muscles fastened to the auditory tube and having the property of sharply contracting. As a rule, short rhythmic "shootings" in this case occur when swallowing saliva.
If the ear shoots without pain from time to time, there is no cause for concern. But if such feelings begin to acquire a regular character, it is worthwhile to contact the otolaryngologist.
Why does it shoot in the ear with pain?
The main cause of pain in the ear, accompanied by "shooting" - inflammation of the middle ear, characterized by increased pressure and fluid accumulation in this department of the auditory organ due to the obstruction of the Eustachian tube. Less often such symptoms are present with inflammation of the inner, external ear, other otolaryngic diseases:
- mastoiditis;
- eustachiitis ;
- sinusitis;
- tonsillitis, etc.
This phenomenon often occurs during or after a flight on an airplane, when there is a sudden change in external pressure.
Other causes include foreign bodies in the ear, water penetration, ear trauma. Also, shoot and hurt in the ear can for reasons not related to ENT pathologies, for example, when:- neuritis of the facial nerve ;
- dental diseases.