Symptom 7: Ear Pain or Hearing Loss
Ear pain or hearing loss may not seem directly related to head and neck cancer, but they can indeed be associated symptoms. This could be particularly true for cancers that occur in the throat or nasopharynx, the area where the back part of your nose opens into your upper throat.
You might experience a constant ache in one ear, or a feeling of fullness or pressure. There could also be a loss of hearing, particularly in one ear, or a constant ringing sensation, known as tinnitus. These symptoms might be accompanied by other signs like difficulty swallowing or a persistent sore throat.
While these symptoms could be due to a variety of less severe conditions like an ear infection or sinusitis, if they persist, it’s important to seek medical advice. An early diagnosis could make a significant difference in the treatment outcomes of head and neck cancer. (7)
