Common Causes Of Why Your Ears Hurt When You Run

Running is a great form of exercise that provides many benefits to overall health and wellness. However, for some individuals, running can also come with the added discomfort of ear pain. This can be a frustrating and distracting experience that can make it difficult to enjoy a run or even discourage people from running altogether. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of ear pain when running and provide tips for how to alleviate and prevent this issue.

Cause 1: Pressure Changes
One of the most common causes of ear pain when running is due to the pressure changes that occur within the ear as a person runs. When a person runs, the body is in motion, and the air pressure inside the ear can change. This can cause pain and discomfort as the eardrum stretches and moves. This is especially true if the person is running at high altitudes or in areas with rapid changes in elevation.

Cause 2: Sweat Accumulation
Another common cause of ear pain when running is due to the accumulation of sweat in the ear canal. Sweat can accumulate in the ear canal, causing irritation and discomfort. This is especially true for individuals who have a tendency to sweat excessively or who wear tight-fitting headphones or earbuds while running.

Cause 3: Earwax Buildup
A third common cause of ear pain when running is due to the presence of earwax. Earwax is a natural substance that helps to protect the ear canal and eardrum. However, if the earwax becomes too thick or accumulates in large amounts, it can cause pain and discomfort. This is especially true if the person is using headphones or earbuds while running, as the pressure from these devices can cause the earwax to become impacted.

Cause 4: Ear Infections
Another possible cause of ear pain when running is due to an ear infection. Ear infections can cause pain, discomfort, and swelling in the ear canal. This is especially true if the person is experiencing other symptoms such as fever, dizziness, or hearing loss.

Cause 5: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Lastly, some people may experience ear pain when running due to a pre-existing condition such as Eustachian tube dysfunction. This condition occurs when the tubes that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat become blocked, preventing the proper flow of air and equalization of pressure. This can cause pain and discomfort in the ear, especially during physical activity such as running.

Prevention and Alleviation

To alleviate and prevent ear pain when running, there are several steps that individuals can take.

Prevention:
-Avoid running in areas with rapid changes in elevation or at high altitudes.
-Reduce the amount of sweat that accumulates in the ear canal by using sweatbands or keeping the ear canal dry with a towel or tissue.
-Avoid using tight-fitting headphones or earbuds while running.
-Reduce the amount of earwax that accumulates in the ear canal by using ear drops or ear wax removal kits.

Alleviation:
-If you suspect an ear infection, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
-For those with Eustachian tube dysfunction, it is important to speak with an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor for appropriate diagnosis and management.
-Taking over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also help to alleviate ear pain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ear pain when running can be caused by a variety of factors, including pressure changes, sweat accumulation, earwax buildup, ear infections and pre-existing conditions such as Eustachian tube dysfunction. It’s important to be aware of these potential causes in order to take preventative measures and alleviate any discomfort.

To prevent ear pain when running, individuals can avoid running in areas with rapid changes in elevation or at high altitudes, reduce the amount of sweat that accumulates in the ear canal, avoid using tight-fitting headphones or earbuds, and use ear drops or ear wax removal kits to reduce earwax buildup.

If ear pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Taking preventative measures and seeking appropriate medical attention can help to alleviate and prevent ear pain when running.