Short Answer
It can happen, but stress should not be assumed to be the cause. Ear signs and jaw-clenching conditions should be separated.
How to think about it
When stress leads to clenching, chewing muscles and the area around the jaw joint can become tense. If ear pain, ear fullness, jaw stiffness, and neck or shoulder tension change with clenching or jaw movement, jaw function can be evaluated.
Evidence and limits for this question
What this question checks
This page uses the question "Can ear pain or fullness get worse when I am stressed or clench my teeth?" to organize a symptom pattern before assuming a TMJ-related cause.
What to rule out first
Urgent, organ-specific, dental, ENT, neurologic, traumatic, infectious, or breathing-related warning signs should be considered before jaw-related interpretation.
What is reviewed in clinic
Consultation details, symptom timing, jaw movement, chewing muscle tension, bite changes, previous exam results, and recurrence patterns may be reviewed together.
What not to decide from this page
Do not use this page alone to choose a diagnosis, appliance, procedure, medication, or emergency response.
Safety note
Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, ear discharge, fever, or acute ear pain should be evaluated by ENT first.