Hear Me Out! 7 Soothing Home Remedies for Ear Pain That Work!

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You have a dull ache, a sharp sting, or annoying pressure that won’t quit. No doubt, an ear pain can throw off your whole day. 

Just like you, ear pain (otalgia) affects many people; therefore, all of you rush to doctors or buy over-the-counter medications to get it treated as quickly as possible. 

Furthermore, ear pain can cause discomfort, but the good news is that it is usually not a serious concern. Your pantry or kitchen might hold the secret to sweet relief. Hence, you can generally treat most earaches at home. Home remedies contain natural ingredients that may provide some relief.

Did you know?

Ear pain is a prevalent issue in India. Research shows that about 14.8% of children in Delhi experience ear-related disorders, with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) being the most common disease. It refers to an ongoing, chronic infection of the middle ear without an intact tympanic membrane, affecting approximately 3.6% of children. 

Additionally, people living in rural areas of India suffer even more, with 6% of children experiencing CSOM. The primary causes include poor hygiene, a lack of awareness, and limited access to healthcare services. 

In this blog, we’ll explore tried-and-true home remedies that are gentle, natural, and often surprisingly effective.

Several factors can contribute to causing ear pain, including infection, wax buildup, sinus pressure, and even jaw problems. Home remedies for an earache may help minimize the pain; however, consulting a doctor remains necessary to find the most suitable solution. 

However, before that, you must know the cause of ear pain to help choose the right DIY treatment to fix the problem. 

10 Common Causes Your Ear Hurts

Ear pain can stem from various reasons, not all of which have a direct connection to the ear. Here is a clear breakdown: 

An ear infection can occur due to a middle ear infection (Otitis Media), and is very common in children. It occurs behind the eardrum due to the buildup of fluid. Additionally, an ear infection can happen due to water exposure. It is known as Otitis Externa. 

Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can not only cause pain or pressure, but also block the ear canal. 

Pressure changes: Air pressure around you changes rapidly during takeoff or landing of an airplane. Due to pressure imbalance in the ear, your eyes can become irritated, causing pain, a condition known as barotrauma. 

Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, can cause discomfort, including blockage or inflammation. 

Pain from nearby areas, such as dental problems and throat infections, can cause pain that radiates to the ear.

Sinus infections or allergies: Sinus infections or allergies are one of the common causes of ear pain. 

Loud noises: Listening to loud music or exposure to machinery can irritate your ears and may even damage them. 

Foreign object in the ear: Children have a habit of putting foreign objects in their ears. This can cause ear pain, blockage, or even infection, 

Trauma or injury: Some people have a habit of scratching the ear canal with a cotton swab or matchstick, or an impact injury can harm your ear, leading to inflammation or damage.

Mastoiditis is a serious infection of the mastoid bone, located behind the ear. It usually leads to complications from untreated middle ear infections.

Now, you should have an idea of what causes your ear pain. It makes you uncomfortable, but truly speaking, it is hazardous to life. Some research suggests that home care can be effective, along with safe DIY methods that can be tried at home. 

Also Read: 

https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/health/sinus-sinusitis-infection-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-prevention/

7 Ways To Stop An Earache at Home

Remember, ear infections that cause pain can often clear up on their own without the need for a doctor’s treatment. Rarely do they cause complications. Here are some additional options you can try. 

A Warm or Cold Compress on Your Ear

Soak a washcloth with either cool or warm water, wring out the extra moisture, and then position it over the ear that feels uncomfortable. Experiment with both temperatures to determine which one is more effective for you. Alternatively, you can use a heating pad. Rest your sore ear on a warm, but not overly hot, heating pad. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic medicines

Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate ear pain, particularly if it’s due to an ear infection. Ensure you follow directions as directed on the label. 

Alter your sleep direction

Although it may seem unusual, sitting up to rest or sleep instead of lying down can help facilitate the drainage of fluid in your ear. This might relieve pressure and discomfort in your middle ear (otitis media). Elevate yourself in bed with several pillows, or consider sleeping in a slightly reclined armchair. 

Helpful Tip

If you or your child experiences an infection in the middle ear (otitis media), a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Meanwhile, you can try over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or use hot or cold compresses, followed by getting plenty of fluids and rest to aid recovery with home treatments. 

Try ear drops If your child or you have a swimmer’s ear, a condition that irritates the ear canal due to swimming or using a hearing aid. Try an over-the-counter (OTC) ear drop to relieve the earache quickly.  

Additionally, ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide can be used as an alternate method to help remove wax and bacteria from the ear. 

Chew gum If you're on a plane or driving at high altitudes and experiencing ear pain due to fluctuations in air pressure, try chewing gum to relieve the discomfort. This can help alleviate the pressure and reduce your discomfort.

Apply Ginger juice: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties. Applying crushed ginger or ginger juice directly to the outer ear may help alleviate the pain. 

Use Olive Oil: If the ear pain develops due to earwax, gently apply olive oil to the inside of your ear canal. This will soften it, and you can easily remove it. 

Caution: Although these home remedies are generally safe and effective, it is recommended that you discuss them with your doctor before trying them to minimize risks and potential complications. 

Power of Home Remedies: Fast Solutions to Stop Ear Pain in a Child

You can treat your child’s ear infection fast at home:

See pediatrician (child’s specialist): He will examine your child’s ear and prescribe ear drops. 

Buy OTC pain medications: Visit a pharmacy or chemist shop near you. Buy an OTC pain reliever, especially if they suffer from middle ear infections or earaches at night. 

Rest: Respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, or COVID-19, can cause ear pain. Allow your child to rest. This will boost their immune system to fight infection. 

Drink Fluids: An earache caused by a cold can be treated with fluids. Hot fluids, such as tea or chicken broth, may help ease nasal congestion and keep them hydrated. 

Use a humidifier: A humidifier can also help alleviate a child's earache quickly. It aids in maintaining hydration and loosening mucus, allowing it to drain effectively. This can relieve ear pressure caused by a cold or sinus infection. 

5 Best Exercises for Ear Pain in Adults & Children

Did you know easy yet effective earache exercises do exist to help relieve ear pressure in seconds?

1. Jaw Movement Exercises

How to do it?

Slowly open your mouth wide, then close it.

Benefit: This relaxes the jaw muscles connected to the ear canal. Thus, it releases pressure in the ear. 

Repeat: 10 times

2. Ear Pulling Exercises

How to do it?

Gently tug the earlobe downward and slightly outward. Hold on for 5 seconds and then release. 

Benefit: This can help open the Eustachian tube and reduce ear pressure.

Repeat 5-10 minutes. 

3. Neck Stretch

How to do it? 

Tilt your head gently toward your shoulder and hold for 10 seconds.

Benefit: This stretches muscles around the ear and neck, easing tension.

Repeat on the other side. 

4. Chewing Motion

How to do it?

Simulate chewing by moving your jaw side to side slowly for about 30 seconds.

Benefit: This encourages Eustachian tube drainage and relieves ear discomfort.

5.  Valsalva Maneuver

How to do it?

Take a deep breath, close your mouth, pinch your nose shut, and gently blow air as if trying to blow your nose.

Caution: Do not blow too hard to avoid damaging your ears.

Benefit: This can help equalize pressure in the middle ear

Repeat 2–3 times.

When to See A Doctor?

Ear pain typically resolves within 2 to 3 days on its own or with at-home treatment. Usually, taking a pain reliever and monitoring for worsening symptoms is required. However, it is recommended that you see a doctor to prevent serious problems. 

Contact your physician when: 

• Fluid or pus from your ear. 

• You experience a high fever, headache, or dizziness. 

• If you suspect an object is stuck in your ear. 

• If there is swelling behind your ear. 

• An intense ear pain that suddenly stops (which could mean a ruptured eardrum)

• Symptoms don’t get better within 24-48 hours. 

Take your child to a pediatrician if:

• They say their ear hurts. 

• Trouble hearing. 

• Pus or fluid is coming out of the ear. 

• They have a fever/headache. 

Final Word

Ear pain in adults or children is common. Reasons may include ear infections, pressure changes, or congestion caused by a respiratory virus, such as a cold or flu. 

Home remedies for ear pain, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, applying hot or cold compresses, and sleeping in an upright position, can provide relief. 

Nonetheless, if your pain does not improve, do not delay and seek medical assistance immediately. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can you help yourself with ear pain?

Place a warm or cold compress on the ear. Buy an over-the-counter painkiller that can help alleviate pain. 

How can you sleep with ear pain?

Elevation or sleeping upright can help you get a better night’s sleep when you have an earache. 

Why do ear infection symptoms worsen at night?

Ear infection symptoms worsen at night because the pressure is greater. Lying down may cause pressure and pain by blocking the middle ear’s drainage. 

Can a sinus infection cause an earache?

When the nasal passages become inflamed, it causes a sinus infection, also known as sinusitis. This usually occurs due to a virus that causes the common cold. 

What are other causes of ear pain?

Other causes of ear pain include tumors or infections, such as cellulitis or shingles, a high fever, a sore throat, and a new rash.