Rod_Moser_PA_PhD responded: No, you did not likely damage your ear, but pain in the mouth/tongue can cause pain to be neurologically referred to the ears (due to nerve pathways). Canker sores (aphthous ulcers) can also cause tenderness and swelling in the lymph nodes, and this can cause referred ear pain as well. I can't examine your ear to be sure, but I suspect your ear is just feeling the pain originating in your mouth. inboston responded: Thank you very much for the medical reply to the person with the canker sore on tongue. I have similar situation, with partially blocked ears and ear ringing.