An earache can be caused by many things, including infection, arthritis, changes in altitude, wax buildup, blockages, temporomandibular joint syndrome or damage to the structures of the ear. Earaches can be mild or severe and a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. No matter what the cause, there are some general things you can do to calm your symptoms.
Step 1
Apply cold therapy. If your earache is because of an injury or associated with an inflammatory condition, cold therapy may help. Use an ice pack or place a washcloth soaked in cold water against your ear. The cold will calm inflammation, reduce swelling, numb the area and relieve pain. Cold therapy can be applied for up to 20 minutes. Remove the pack and allow the skin to return to room temperature before applying another treatment.
Step 2
Use heat therapy if your pain is because of tight muscles or tension. Apply a heating pad or warm washcloth over your ear. The heat will relax your muscles and ease pain. If your earache is because of wax buildup, the heat may melt the wax so your ear can come unblocked. As with the ice, apply heat no longer than 20 minutes and wait in between applications.
Step 3
Chew gum. The motion of chewing can relax the jaw muscles and release pressure in the ear.
Step 4
Change position. You may find that your earache is exacerbated by lying down or lying on your side. Switching to an upright and slightly reclined position may remove the pressure in your ear.
Step 5
Use over-the-counter ear drops or olive oil. Use this option only if you are sure your ear drum is not ruptured and there is no drainage associated with your earache. You can also warm the oil before using it. Lie on your unaffected side. Place a few drops into your ear and wait a few moments. Then lie on the affected side to drain the ear. If this does not relieve your symptoms, ask your doctor for prescription-strength drops.
Step 6
Remove triggers. If there are substances or situations occurring that set off your allergies, they may also be contributing to your earache. Leave the room or remove the triggers and see if your pain subsides.
Step 7
Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if it is safe for you to do so.
Tips and Warnings
- Take care of your ears to avoid infections and fluid buildup. Always dry your ears after swimming or bathing.
- See your doctor if your earache is severe or persistent. It may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Things You'll Need
- Ice pack
- Heating pad
- Chewing gum
- Ear drops
