A hard lump under the earlobe can be a result of mumps or inflammation of the lymph nodes. Mumps is a viral infection that causes the parotid gland to become enlarged and have a hard lump with pain. Since it is near the temporomandibular joint, it causes difficulty in opening the mouth and pain under the earlobe when chewing. Recovery is possible within a week or so. Commonly used antivirals include oseltamivir or intravenous ribavirin. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a bacterial infection, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus haemolyticus, and is characterized by painful enlargement of the lymph nodes, redness and abscess formation. Oral antibiotics for treatment, such as cefradin, levofloxacin hydrochloride, cefixime, etc., can be reduced in about a week of treatment.