Earaches can be caused by many conditions, including bacterial infections, viruses, irritation inside the ear canal, excessive wax buildup, objects in the ear or trauma to the ear. Pain in the ears that is caused by viruses or temporary pressure from airplanes can be treated with home remedies. Earaches caused by bacterial infections, ear trauma or foreign objects require medical treatment, though home remedies can provide temporary relief for aching ears while medical treatment is sought.
Step 1
Relieve pain with an over-the-counter oral pain reliever. Look at the manufacturer label for dosage recommendations. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good choices for adults and children unless an allergy to the medication exists.
Step 2
Reduce congestion with an over-the-counter oral antihistamine or decongestant. Look at the manufacturer label for dosage recommendations.
Step 3
Soothe and clean ears with ear drops. Ear drops can reduce or relieve pain, but should only be used if the eardrums are intact. Over-the-counter ear drops for earache relief and wax removal are available at drug stores. Olive oil is a safe and effective home remedy ear soother and cleaner. To use olive oil, squeeze an eye dropper full of olive oil into the ear canal without letting the eye dropper itself go into the ear canal. Tilt the head so that the ear with the olive oil in it is pointed up and allow the oil to remain in the ear for five minutes. After five minutes, tilt the head the opposite way to let the olive oil drain out. Wipe up olive oil drainage with a cotton ball.
Step 4
Lay a comfortably warm heating pad or a washcloth moistened with warm water (wrung out) over the aching ear for 20 minutes to relieve pain.
Step 5
Lay an icepack over the aching ear for 20 minutes to relieve pain.
Step 6
Reduce ear pressure by chewing gum.
Step 7
Rest in an upright position to relieve ear pressure. Either rest or sleep sitting up or place several pillows under the head and shoulders to elevate the upper body.
Things You'll Need
- Over-the-counter pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
- Over-the-counter antihistamine or decongestant
- Over-the-counter ear drops or olive oil and an eye dropper
- Cotton balls
- Heating pad
- Washcloth
- Icepack
