Yesterday I yawned like a normal human and suddenly my ear felt like a toddler drummer discovered espresso.
Sharp stab. Muffled hearing. Dramatic side-eye at everyone breathing near me.
I diagnosed myself with “imminent ear explosion” and whispered “WHAT?” at full volume like a confused pirate. If your earache has ever made you contemplate wearing a winter hat in tropical weather, welcome.
The Science (Simplified for Mortals)
Your ear has three parts: outer, middle, inner.
Most earaches involve middle-ear pressure. A cold or allergy clogs the Eustachian tube, fluid gets trapped, and bacteria throw a house party.
Wax buildup, jaw tension, sinus pressure, or swimmer’s ear can also irritate sensitive nerves.
Tiny plumbing problem + angry nerves = dramatic sound system.
The Fix: 3 Actionable Tips
The Sign-Off
Take care of your ears—they’re the only headphones permanently installed. And if it still hurts, share your tiny wins with the community at ItHurts.com.