An earache may occur for many reasons. Possible reasons for pain in the ear include an ear infection, a ruptured eardrum, tooth pain, high altitudes, a sore throat and problems with the jaw. The pain in the ears may cause a dull pain or a sharp, severe pain. Some conditions cause a constant pain while others may cause intermittent pain. Treating ear pain may vary depending on the cause for the earache. If home remedies do not relieve ear pain, the affected individual should visit a physician to rule out a medical condition.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Earaches may respond to cold or warm packs placed on the outside of the ear. Placing a cold, wet washcloth or an ice pack to the ear may help decrease the pain. Some individuals may respond to using a warm, moist washcloth or a heating pad set on low. Remove the therapy pack from the ear after 20 minutes, according to Medline Plus.
Medication
Middle and outer ear infections may require antibiotics to help resolve the infection and reduce the pain. Taking an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve the pain from an infection or from other conditions that cause pain in the ear, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Prescription ear drops may help numb the ear and relieve pain before the antibiotics begin to work. Decongestant medications may help drain congestion in the Eustachian tubes and decrease pain associated with allergies and sinus troubles.
Removing Earwax
Excessive amounts of earwax may build up and harden in the outer ear canal. The hardened earwax may cause pain. Cleaning the wax out of the ear may help relieve the pain from the condition. To safely clean wax from the ears, an individual can use a commercial earwax-removal product to soften and remove the wax. Dropping hydrogen peroxide or baby oil into the ear can also help remove the wax. Never put objects into the ear and do not place drops in the ear with a ruptured eardrum.
Chewing Gum
Moving to a higher altitude, such as going up a mountain or flying in an airplane, causes the pressure in the ear to change. This pressure change may cause pain before the pressure on each side of the eardrum equalizes. Chewing gum may help equalize the pressure and in the ears and relieve the temporary pain, according to TeensHealth.
