When the Ear Is Normal: Solving Non-otogenic Otalgia

Saturday, October 17, 2026

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM PT

Location: 518

Moderator(s)

Christine E. Demason, MD

Associate Professor
UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Chapel Hill, NC, United States

Panelist(s)

Lara K. Reichert, MD MPH

Associate Professor
Albany Medical Center
Albany, NY, United States
Elliot Regenbogen, MD

Associate Professor Associate Program Director Otolaryngology H&N Surgery
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, NY, United States
CW

Christopher M. Welch, MD, PhD

Assistant Professor
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

Disclosure(s):

Christine E. Demason, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Elliot Regenbogen, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

This panel will provide otolaryngologists with a practical, evidence-based approach to non-otogenic otalgia for patients of all ages. Through case-based discussion and expert insights, attendees will learn to recognize common sources of referred ear pain, including neurologic, temporomandibular, and head and neck etiologies, identify red-flag features, and implement effective diagnostic and management strategies. Participants will gain tools to improve diagnostic accuracy, optimize patient care, and reduce unnecessary interventions for this challenging and frequently encountered clinical problem.

Learning Objectives:

Identify common and uncommon sources of non-otogenic otalgia.
Apply systematic evaluation strategies to differentiate otogenic from non-otogenic ear pain, recognize red-flag findings, and avoid diagnostic pitfalls.
Implement evidence-based management and referral approaches to optimize patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary interventions in patients with non-otogenic otalgia.