Middle ear infections (Otitis media) in young children and external infections (otitis externa) in adults are very common.
The proximity of the ear to the jaw joint means that spasm of the muscles of the jaw, problems with jaw closure due to uneven bite, teeth grinding during sleep or just stress may cause temporomandibular joint dysfunction and pain in the ears.
Earache can be referred from the throat in tonsillitis or even from the voice box (growths of the larynx), cervical spine (arthritis of the neck or neck muscle spasm).
Infections of the sphenoid sinuses, which are in the centre of the head, may also cause referred pain to the ear area.