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How to help with earache pain. 15 Effective Home Remedies for Earache Pain Relief: Natural and OTC Solutions

How can you alleviate earache pain at home. What are the most effective natural remedies for ear discomfort. Which over-the-counter treatments provide fast relief for earaches. When should you seek medical attention for persistent ear pain.

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Understanding Earaches: Causes and Symptoms

Earaches are a common ailment that can affect people of all ages, but they’re particularly prevalent in children. The pain associated with earaches can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing sensations. But what exactly causes these uncomfortable episodes?

Ear infections are the most frequent culprit behind earaches, especially in young children. These infections can be either bacterial or viral in nature and often occur when fluid builds up in the middle ear. Other potential causes include:

  • Changes in air pressure (such as during air travel)
  • Earwax buildup
  • Sinus infections
  • Tooth infections
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders

Recognizing the symptoms of an earache is crucial for prompt treatment. Common signs include:

  • Pain inside the ear
  • A feeling of fullness or pressure
  • Muffled hearing
  • Fever (especially in children)
  • Drainage from the ear

Is ear pain always a sign of infection? Not necessarily. While infections are common, ear pain can also result from non-infectious causes like allergies or changes in air pressure. Understanding the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment.

Cold Therapy: Harnessing the Power of Ice for Pain Relief

One of the simplest and most effective home remedies for earache pain is the application of cold therapy. This method works by numbing the area and reducing inflammation, which can provide significant relief from discomfort.

How to Apply Cold Therapy for Earaches

To use this method:

  1. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a thin towel.
  2. Hold the cold compress against the affected ear for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Remove the compress for at least 10 minutes before reapplying.

Can you use cold therapy on children with earaches? Yes, cold therapy is generally safe for children, but always supervise the application and ensure the compress isn’t too cold or applied for too long.

For those who find cold therapy uncomfortable, alternating between cold and warm compresses can also be effective. This alternation can help improve blood circulation and provide relief from pain.

The Garlic Remedy: Nature’s Antibiotic for Ear Pain

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, including earaches. Its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent option for those seeking natural relief.

Using Garlic for Ear Pain Relief

There are several ways to harness the power of garlic for earache relief:

  • Garlic oil: Warm a few drops of garlic oil and carefully place them in the ear canal.
  • Garlic compress: Crush a clove of garlic, wrap it in a clean cloth, and hold it against the ear.
  • Dietary inclusion: Incorporate raw garlic into your diet to boost your immune system.

Is garlic safe for all types of ear pain? While generally safe, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using garlic remedies, especially if you suspect a perforated eardrum or have tubes in your ears.

Remember, garlic can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners. Always inform your doctor about any natural remedies you’re using alongside prescribed treatments.

Heat Therapy: Soothing Comfort for Aching Ears

While cold therapy can numb pain and reduce inflammation, heat therapy offers its own set of benefits for earache sufferers. The application of warmth can help relax tense muscles, improve blood circulation, and provide a comforting sensation that eases discomfort.

Applying Heat Therapy Safely

To use heat therapy effectively:

  1. Use a heating pad or warm, damp washcloth.
  2. Set the temperature to a comfortable level – warm, not hot.
  3. Apply the heat source to the ear for 15-20 minutes at a time.
  4. Take breaks between applications to avoid skin irritation.

Can heat therapy make an ear infection worse? While heat can provide comfort, it’s important to use it judiciously. If you suspect an infection, consult a doctor before applying heat, as it could potentially exacerbate the condition in some cases.

For added relief, some people find that alternating between cold and heat therapy provides the best results. This alternation can help stimulate blood flow while also reducing inflammation and pain.

Over-the-Counter Solutions: Ear Drops and Pain Relievers

When natural remedies don’t provide sufficient relief, over-the-counter (OTC) solutions can be a helpful next step. These products are designed to address the symptoms of earaches and can be particularly effective for mild to moderate cases.

Choosing the Right OTC Ear Drops

OTC ear drops typically fall into two categories:

  • Analgesic drops: These contain pain-relieving ingredients like benzocaine or antipyrine.
  • Decongestant drops: These help reduce swelling and clear blocked Eustachian tubes.

How do you know which type of ear drops to use? The choice depends on your symptoms and the underlying cause of your earache. If pain is your primary concern, analgesic drops may be more appropriate. If congestion is contributing to your discomfort, decongestant drops might be the better option.

Oral Pain Relievers for Earache

In addition to ear drops, oral pain relievers can provide systemic relief from earache pain. Common options include:

  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  • Naproxen (Aleve)

These medications can help reduce pain and fever associated with earaches. However, it’s important to follow dosage instructions carefully and not rely on them to mask symptoms of a potentially serious condition.

Are OTC remedies safe for everyone? While generally safe, some individuals should exercise caution when using OTC ear drops or pain relievers. This includes people with perforated eardrums, those who’ve had ear tubes inserted, and individuals taking other medications that might interact with these products. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.

Sleep Position and Elevation: Alleviating Pressure for Better Rest

When dealing with an earache, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging. However, the right position can significantly reduce pain and promote faster healing by helping to drain fluid from the ear.

Optimal Sleeping Positions for Earache Relief

Consider these sleeping strategies:

  • Elevate your head: Use extra pillows to keep your head higher than the rest of your body.
  • Sleep on the unaffected side: This can help prevent fluid from pooling in the painful ear.
  • Use a recliner: Sleeping in a slightly upright position can be beneficial.

Why does elevation help with earaches? Keeping your head elevated helps prevent fluid from accumulating in the middle ear, which can exacerbate pain and prolong healing time. It also aids in draining any existing fluid, potentially reducing pressure and discomfort.

For children with earaches, consider placing a towel under their mattress to create a slight incline. This can provide the benefits of elevation without the risk of pillows moving during sleep.

Natural Decongestants: Chewing Gum and Yawning Techniques

Sometimes, earaches are caused or exacerbated by changes in air pressure, particularly during air travel or when moving to different altitudes. In these cases, natural decongestant techniques can provide quick relief by helping to equalize pressure in the ears.

The Benefits of Chewing Gum

Chewing gum can be an effective way to relieve ear pressure and associated pain. Here’s why it works:

  • Stimulates swallowing, which helps open the Eustachian tubes
  • Increases saliva production, aiding in pressure equalization
  • Provides a constant jaw movement that can help “pop” the ears

Is sugar-free gum more effective for ear pain relief? While both sugared and sugar-free gum can help, sugar-free varieties are generally recommended to avoid potential dental issues, especially if you’re chewing frequently for ear pain relief.

Yawning and Swallowing Exercises

In addition to chewing gum, intentional yawning and swallowing can help alleviate ear pressure. Try these techniques:

  1. Force a yawn by opening your mouth wide and breathing deeply
  2. Swallow repeatedly while pinching your nostrils closed
  3. Perform the Valsalva maneuver: gently blow out while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed

These methods can be particularly helpful during air travel or when experiencing altitude-related ear discomfort. Remember to perform these exercises gently to avoid causing additional pressure or pain.

Alternative Therapies: Exploring Chiropractic and Essential Oils

For those seeking non-traditional approaches to earache relief, alternative therapies like chiropractic care and essential oils have gained popularity. While scientific evidence for these methods may be limited, many people report finding relief through these practices.

Chiropractic Care for Ear Pain

Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the upper neck and back can contribute to ear pain and infections. Chiropractic treatment for earaches typically involves:

  • Gentle adjustments to the neck and spine
  • Massage of the muscles surrounding the ear
  • Advice on posture and lifestyle changes

How effective is chiropractic care for earaches? While some patients report significant improvement, the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for ear pain is still debated in the medical community. It’s important to consult with both a medical doctor and a qualified chiropractor before pursuing this treatment option.

Essential Oils for Ear Comfort

Essential oils, particularly tea tree and olive oil, have been used traditionally for ear discomfort. Here’s how they’re typically used:

  • Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, diluted tea tree oil can be applied around the ear (not directly in the ear canal).
  • Olive Oil: Warmed olive oil can be used as ear drops to help soften earwax and potentially relieve pain.

Are essential oils safe for ear use? While many people use essential oils without issue, it’s crucial to use them correctly and cautiously. Never put essential oils directly into the ear canal, and always dilute them properly. If you’re considering using essential oils for ear pain, consult with a healthcare provider first, especially if you suspect an infection or have a history of ear problems.

Remember, while alternative therapies can be helpful for some, they should not replace professional medical advice and treatment, especially in cases of severe or persistent ear pain.

15 simple remedies for earache

Even if an earache is part of a larger issue, it is possible to reduce pain with both natural and medical methods. Here are 15 remedies for reducing earache.

1. Ice pack

Share on PinterestAn ice pack held to the ear may help to reduce potential inflammation.

Holding an ice pack or cold, damp washcloth to the ear for 20 minutes may help numb ear pain and reduce any potential inflammation that is causing it.

2. Garlic

Garlic is a natural remedy for earache that has been used for thousands of years. Allicin, a compound in garlic, is said to be helpful in fighting bacterial infections that may be causing an earache.

Eating raw garlic is said to help reduce ear pain. However, garlic may interfere with antibiotics, so it is important to speak with a doctor before taking it.

3. Heating pad

A heating pad or hot cloth held against the ear for 20 minutes may be helpful for temporary pain relief. While cold temperatures can help numb pain and reduce inflammation, a heating pad may relax the muscles and help improve blood flow.

4. Ear drops

Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies can be successful for some people, especially those that have tried natural methods. Many OTC medications shouldn’t be used by people whose eardrum has ruptured or who have had tubes surgically inserted in the past.

Some individuals may also need to check with their doctor to make sure their chosen remedy won’t interfere with any currently prescribed medications.

5. Pain relievers

Pain relievers like ibuprofen or other NSAIDS can help control pain caused by earache. These medications shouldn’t be used to mask pain, however, especially if the earache is associated with an underlying condition.

6. Sleep in an upright position

Sleeping in an upright position is often advised to help reduce the build up of pressure in the ear.

7. Chew gum

Share on PinterestChewing gum may help the ears to “pop”, especially on airplane travel.

If an earache occurs during or after plane travel or moving to higher elevations, chewing gum may help “pop” the ears and reduce pressure.

8. Distraction

One of the best methods for reducing the feeling of pain, particularly among children, is to distract the mind from the earache. Games, television, or exercise can help reduce attention on earache.

9. Chiropractic

One earache remedy is chiropractic, an alternative health approach. Chiropractic seeks to reduce pain and other health conditions by working with the muscles and bones. It is believed that earache can be caused by the misalignment of the upper neck bones. A chiropractor may be helpful for bringing these bones back “in line,” helping to reduce earache.

10. Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is used in a range of ways. A couple of warmed drops in the ear per day may ease earache. However, before use in the ear, it is important to do a skin test to check for allergies. Tea tree oil should be diluted in olive oil, sweet almond oil, or another carrier oil, usually 3 to 5 drops in 1 ounce of oil.

Tea tree has antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

11. Olive oil

This method is old, but lacks any backing by scientific evidence. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics says that adding a couple of drops of warmed olive oil is safe and could be moderately effective.

12. Neck exercises

Sometimes, earache can be caused by tense muscles around the ear canal, exerting pressure on the area. If this is the case, some simple neck exercises might ease the discomfort.

For instance, slowly rotate the neck and head, and lift the shoulders up toward the ears; repeat throughout the day.

13. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide has been used as a natural remedy for earache for a long while.

Insert 5-10 drops, then lie on your side for around 10 minutes with the painful ear facing up. Then, drain over the sink and rinse with cold water. Don’t be alarmed by the bubbles, this can help move ear wax out of the canal.

14. Ginger

Ginger is considered to have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Applying ginger juice (shredded ginger in warmed olive oil and strained), around the outer ear canal can relieve pain. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties.

Do not put ginger directly into the ear.

15. Hair dryer

After a bath, set the hair dryer to a low heat and hold it a distance from the ear. Continue for no more than 5 minutes. Take care not to burn your ear.

If an earache persists for more than 24-48 hours, it is important to get medical advice.

Earache – NHS

Earache and ear pain is common, particularly in young children. It can be painful, but is not usually a sign of anything serious.

How long earache lasts

It depends on what’s causing it. Most earaches in children are caused by an ear infection, which usually start to improve after a few days.

Spotting earache in babies and young children

A young child might have earache if they:

  • rub or pull their ear
  • do not react to some sounds
  • have a temperature of 38C or above
  • are irritable or restless
  • are off their food
  • keep losing their balance

Earache and ear pain can affect 1 or both ears.

How to treat earache yourself

There are some things you can do to help relieve earache and ear pain.

Don’t

  • do not put anything inside your ear, such as cotton buds

  • do not try to remove earwax

  • do not let water get inside your ear

Information:

Some painkillers are not safe for everyone (for example, if you’re pregnant). Always check the leaflet or get medical advice before taking them.

A pharmacist can help with earaches

A pharmacist might be able to tell you:

  • what you can do to treat earache yourself
  • if you can buy anything to help (for example, eardrops)
  • if you need to see a GP

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you or your child:

  • have earache for more than 3 days
  • keep getting earache

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You or your child have earache and:

  • become generally unwell
  • a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
  • swelling around the ear
  • fluid coming from the ear
  • hearing loss or a change in hearing
  • something stuck in the ear
  • your child is under 2 and has earache in both ears

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

What causes earache and pain

Earache and pain can be caused by many things, but sometimes it’s not known by what.

Here are some of the most common causes:

Possible causes of earache symptoms.
SymptomsPossible condition
Ear pain with toothacheChildren teething, dental abscess
Ear pain with change in hearingGlue ear, earwax build-up, an object stuck in the ear (do not try to remove it yourself – see a GP), perforated eardrum (particularly after a loud noise or accident)
Ear pain with pain when swallowingSore throat, tonsillitis, quinsy (a complication of tonsillitis)
Ear pain with a feverEar infection, flu, cold

Page last reviewed: 29 April 2022
Next review due: 29 April 2025

Ear pain? Contact the Ear, Nose, Throat Clinic

First aid for earache

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    First aid for ear pain

    If you have ear pain, you should contact an ENT doctor as soon as possible, this will quickly get rid of pain and not make a mistake in the diagnosis and choice of treatment .
    But quite often the symptoms of otitis appear in the evening or at night. Is it possible to apply warming compresses in such cases, as traditional medicine advises?
    Answer: – NO!

    Why is warming not a good first aid for otitis media?

    Indeed, heat helps increase blood flow to the affected area and increase the activity of impulses that suppress pain.
    But this positive effect of the thermal procedure can be safe only in the first hours of the development of the disease and in our case – only the catarrhal form of otitis media.
    And pain in the ear can also occur for other reasons: with otitis externa and with the deterioration of long-term (chronic otitis media), which until that time had practically not shown itself. In this case, thermal procedures will only increase inflammation and pain. Therefore, the first aid for pain in the ears can be considered taking an anesthetic and immediately contacting an ENT doctor. If at night, when taking an anesthetic, the pain does not go away, it is necessary to call the ambulance team.

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    Hello. The child is 4 years old, has constant otitis media, almost every acute respiratory infection (+ adenoitis, we are not considering an operation yet). What can be dripped for prophylaxis…

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    Article content0202 What is acute otitis?

  • Symptoms
  • First aid: home treatments
  • Urgent medical attention

Acute otitis is an acute inflammation of any of the three parts of the ear. The disease occurs at any age. The appearance of the first symptoms, as a rule, coincides with the late evening, when you can no longer go to the ENT doctor, but it is also unbearable to endure the shooting pain in the ear. With children it is even harder – they cannot accurately describe what and how it hurts them. What first aid measures to take to alleviate your condition or the condition of the child before contacting an otorhinolaryngologist? This will be discussed in a new article.

What is acute otitis media?

The human ear is a complex system. It is conditionally divided into three important sections: the outer, middle and inner ear.

Any part of the ear can become inflamed. Accordingly, otitis externa, otitis media and internal are distinguished. In eighty percent of cases, we are dealing with a manifestation of acute otitis media.

Acute otitis media affects people of all ages. But most often children get sick.

Medical statistics show that by the first grade, almost every child suffers from this disease at least once. What can provoke the disease?

There are quite a lot of factors provoking the disease:

  • past inflammation of the ENT organs;
  • ear injuries;
  • foreign objects in the ear;
  • frequent entry of water into the ear canal;
  • incorrect ear cleaning;
  • hypothermia;
  • weak immunity;
  • allergic reactions;
  • features of the anatomical structure of the organ of hearing in children (in childhood, the auditory tube is shorter, so it is easier for infections from the nasopharynx to get into the tympanic cavity of the ear).

Depending on the type of pathogen, bacterial, viral and fungal forms of inflammation are distinguished.

The acute form of the disease, as the name implies, begins rapidly and proceeds with vivid symptoms.

Symptoms

Signs of the disease vary depending on the location of the inflammation.

With external otitis from the first day of the disease, the patient feels constant itching in the ear canal, which is replaced by severe pain. Pain may radiate to the jaw or temple. The pain gets worse at night. The external form can leak with the formation of a furuncle in the ear canal. When it grows, it closes the lumen of the ear canal, which interferes with sound transmission, so the patient has a hearing loss.

Otitis media begins with a shooting pain in the ear, a feeling of congestion in it, and hearing loss. The disease may be accompanied by fever, runny nose. In babies, the disease can provoke disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea). A feature of this form of otitis media is the presence of purulent contents in the tympanic cavity. As soon as the purulent masses break through the eardrum and go outside, the patient’s condition improves, and he is on the mend.

Otitis media is characterized by frequent dizziness. At the same time, the patient’s hearing decreases, bouts of vomiting occur, and tinnitus is present. Most often, such inflammation develops against the background of otitis media as a complication. Therefore, it is very important to get qualified medical care at an early stage of the disease.

First Aid: Home Treatments

Illness usually starts in the late afternoon, so before going to the doctor it is a question of taking urgent measures to provide first aid to yourself or your child and relieve acute symptoms.

Friends! Timely and proper treatment will ensure you a speedy recovery!

Urgent measures for otitis media at home are aimed at temporarily paining the sore ear and relieving unpleasant symptoms until it becomes possible to consult an ENT doctor.

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It is a mistake to think that urgent measures taken at home will be enough for recovery. Only qualified medical assistance will quickly and effectively cope with inflammation.

What can you do at home before visiting an ENT doctor to relieve your condition?

  • put vasoconstrictor drops or vasoconstrictor sprays into the nasal passages – this urgent measure will relieve swelling of the auditory tube;
  • take an antipyretic if the inflammation is accompanied by high body temperature; similar drugs (for example, Nurofen) also have an analgesic effect;
  • protect your ear from drafts and hypothermia, but never warm it up;
  • put Otipax or Otinum drops into the ear canal (they must be used with caution, more on that later), then close the ear canal with cotton;
  • a cotton wick soaked in boric alcohol can be placed in the ear canal for half an hour;
  • in the presence of purulent secretions, gently wipe them with a cotton swab – but only from the edge of the ear canal, you can’t climb deep inside!

It must be remembered that emergency care should not be carried out thoughtlessly. There are a number of restrictions that should not be forgotten.

What can not be done with otitis media? In no case should you warm up the ear or make warm compresses if the patient has an elevated body temperature or pus is released from the ear canal. Heat exposure will only increase the spread of infection throughout the body.

When using ear drops, you must also remember the following precautions:

  • if you suspect a perforation in the eardrum, which may be evidenced by suppuration from the ear, do not use drops;
  • let the drops warm to room temperature before putting them in the ear;
  • Do not use drops during pregnancy or nursing without consulting your doctor.

These emergency measures will only temporarily relieve pain, full treatment must be carried out under the supervision of an otorhinolaryngologist.

Seek immediate medical attention

Treatment of acute otitis requires competent treatment. Therefore, as soon as possible, you need to contact an otorhinolaryngologist. Incorrect treatment can lead to serious complications: the development of chronic otitis media, persistent hearing loss, cholesteatoma formation, inflammation of the brain, brain abscess, sepsis, etc.

At the appointment, the ENT doctor will examine the diseased ear, determine the type of otitis media, assess the condition of the tympanic membrane and ear canal, and give the necessary appointments. Therapy for acute otitis media includes taking antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor drugs. If necessary, a toilet of the outer and middle ear, pneumomassage of the tympanic membrane and physiotherapy are carried out.

Therapy of acute otitis is a profile of the ENT Clinic of Dr. Zaitsev. Highly qualified specialists, the most modern equipment and rich practical experience allow us to provide high-quality medical care at the best prices in Moscow.

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Sources

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  2. Zaitsev V.M. Children’s ENT. How to protect the health of the ears, nose and throat. – M.: EKSMO, 2018. – 224 p.
  3. Zubkovskaya S.A. Auditory dysfunction in exudative otitis / S.A. Zubkovskaya // XVI Congress of Otorhinolaryngologists of the Russian Federation: abstract. report SPb., 2001. – S. 83-84.
  4. Kosyakov S.Ya. Treatment of acute, protracted and recurrent otitis media / S.Ya. Kosyakov, A.S. Lopatin // Right, polycl. doctor. 2004. – No. 4. – S. 59-62.
  5. Kryukov A.I., Turovsky A.B. Acute otitis media basic principles of treatment in modern conditions // Consilium medicum. – 2002. – V. 2. – No. 5. S. 11-17.
  6. Lopotko A.