Ear infection?

Do you have TMJ? Stress can make it flare up, and that’s what this sounds like, more TMJ than an infection. It could also be mild ear canal pressure or inflammation from sleeping on one side.

I wouldn’t worry unless you see thick yellow/green discharge from your ear or notice significant swelling.

@ashlynnmae

My ear feels a bit hot though

@ehdog
Feeling warmth in your ear can happen from TMJ or pressure, and it still doesn’t really suggest an infection. You can try gently applying a cool (not ice-cold) compress to the area.

@ehdog You could try a warm compress or heating pad to see if it relieves the pain, or Tylenol or ibuprofen if you tolerate them. This may relieve the symptoms, but if they keep returning, it would be a good idea to have your ear checked. It can often be done at an Urgent Care if you can't get in to see your doc.
My old ENT used to say - if it comes back for more than 3 days or gets worse, have someone take a look. If you are experiencing a change in hearing, sinus pressure, a fever, or have recently had a cold or the flu, it might be good to be checked sooner.
Don't wait for a discharge from the ear - this means the eardrum has broken, which can lead to complications.

@ehdog

I have had on and off ear infections all my life. Not having any discharge is not an indicator of whether you have one or not. I get my ears checked about every four month by my ENT . Last month he diagnosed an infection in my left ear and prescribed an antibiotic ear drop. I had no clue I had an infection and usually I can tell by diminished hearing ((I wear bilateral hearing aids). It happened to be my worst ear hearing wise so it was hard to tell this time.
Go see an ENT especially if you detect any swelling or the ear feels hot.
Remember that everything is connected near the ears and pain can radiate into the jaw.

FL Mary