Short Answer
It can, especially when it changes with chewing, mouth opening, or clenching, but ENT causes should be checked first.
How to think about it
One-sided jaw joint load or chewing-muscle tension can be felt near the ear. A jaw-function exam is useful when the ear itself has been checked and the pain pattern follows jaw use.
Evidence and limits for this question
What this question checks
This page uses the question "Can one-sided ear pain come from TMJ?" 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
One-sided ear pain with infection signs, hearing change, dizziness, or rapid worsening should be evaluated by ENT first.