After I had jaw surgery, I got a screaming ear ache. To this day, I still get this once in a while when my TMJ symptoms act up. I find that Aleve seems to help some. I also use an ice pack against my jaw and that sometimes helps too - somewhat uncomfortable but I'll take anything that works even a little. Not sure why this happens but my theory is that when muscles get pulled wrong, it puts pressure on the ear canal as well and inflames things. This is just my experience with it.

earache is a common symptom

No drugs work for me either.
I have found trigger point therapy to be very helpful tho....

Hi there, I get ear aches EVERY DAY from my tmj. Every time I talk or chew food my ear starts aching. I have had to keep my talking down to a minimum now.
You might consider seeing a tmj specialist OR you might be able to talk your ENT into giving you an MRI to see if your discs are ok. Just a though, best of luck. Florida

Hey there.....you may want to consult with a tmj specialist who does neuromuscular treatments. They can check the condyle placement with x-rays..and EMG muscle testing to see if your mandible is in a proper neuromuscular position. If not, you could be fitted with an orthodic that is worn 24/7, that can help with the ear pain, and other symptoms. I do know of a good tmj specialist in NY......but you can lok off the ICCMO website, and cross reference those guys with people who do Neuromuscular dentistry, WITH functional Jaw orthodontics. Dr. Peter Ferro is the one in NY that is excellent. Good luck to you! :)

Otoliths can balance the fluid in your ear and take away the earache / TMJ symptom, if done properly. Google it.

You can get stronger prescription pain relievers and valium or muscle relaxers from a pain management specialist. Pain management doctors can also shoot steroids / local anesthetic into the painful area. This takes down inflammation and numbs the area. The shots last several weeks to months.

Icing the area may help a little.

Massaging the area may also help.

Are you stressed? That will make it worse. Do yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, etc...

Earaches are super-super-super-super common with TMJ. I also went to a doctor b/c I thought I had an ear infection.

The biggest things that have helped me: massage therapy inside and outside the mouth, targeting the masseter, pterygoid muscles of the jaw and the sternocloidamastoid muscles of the neck. I do John Barnes myofascial release work.

Also, stopping chewing gum and eating really hard foods has helped, and in a pinch an ice pack helps too.

A great book that has helped:
http://www.amazon.com/Taking-Control-TMJ-Tempromandibular-Fibromyalgia/dp/1572241268

I agree with everything sharogold said