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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Otalgia - Ear Pain

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Ear pain is any pain that occurs in any part of the inner, middle, or outer ear. This pain can be by itself or associated with other symptoms.

What is going on in the body?

Ear pain can range from mild discomfort or a feeling of fullness to severe, intense pain. Often ear pain results from conditions of the outer or middle ear. Ear pain usually results from conditions that may be caused by infection, trauma, or blockage of the ear.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many possible causes of ear pain, including:

trauma to the ear, including damage caused by use of cotton swabs

sudden changes in pressure, such as changes in altitude when flying

blockage of the ear canal from earwax or foreign object

otitis externa, or swimmer's ear

acute otitis media, or an infection of the inner ear

mastoiditis, which is a serious bacterial infection of the bone behind the ear

allergic reactions and allergies

ruptured eardrum

acute sinusitis or chronic sinusitis

tooth abscess

sore throat with referred pain to the ears

Meniere's disease, which is a disorder of the inner ear

tumors of the ear, which may be cancerous or benign

temporomandibular joint syndrome

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