Get Rid of an Ear Ache

Ear aches are uncomfortable, but they are usually not serious. A mild ear ache can be treated at home with things like warm and cold compresses and over-the-counter painkillers. If your ear ache does not go away on its own, see a doctor for assistance. In the future, do things like protecting your ears from loud noises to prevent an ear ache.

Steps

Treating an Ear Ache at Home

  1. Use a warm compress. Get a paper towel or a wash cloth wet with lukewarm water. Press it to the ear until the pain subsides. In some cases, a warm compress will soothe feelings of pain in the ear.[1]
    • Be very careful not to get any water into the ear. This can aggravate an ear ache.
    • Make sure to use lukewarm water and not hot water to avoid burning your ear.
  2. Try a cool compress. If a hot compress does not work, try a cool one. Get a washcloth or paper towel wet with cool water. Press it to your ear for 20 minutes at a time. This may soothe the pain caused by an ear ache.[1]
    • Do not use freezing cold water. This could cause frostbite.
  3. Take over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can help soothe an ear ache. Make sure to take the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or a pharmacist to make sure over-the-counter medications do not interfere with any existing medications you're taking.[2]
    • If you think your ear ache is caused by clogged sinuses or allergies, try over-the-counter sinus or allergy medications.
    • If you're treating an ear ache in a child, make sure the medications are safe for kids. Aspirin is not safe for children under 16.
  4. Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help heal your ear ache. Have water on hand and sip it throughout the day.[1]
    • If you have to go to work or school, bring a water bottle with you and sip it periodically.
    • If you get tired of plain water, add things like fruit to enhance your water's taste.
  5. Try over-the-counter ear drops. Over-the-counter ear drops can be purchased at most pharmacies. In some cases, a few drops of an over-the-counter ear drop can help with ear pain.[1]
    • If you have symptoms of a perforated eardrum, however, you should not use ear drops. Symptoms of a perforated eardrum include a spinning sensation, drainage from your ear, hearing loss, and ringing in your ears.[3]
  6. Take a warm shower. Ear ache is often caused by clogged sinuses. The steam from a warm shower can sometimes loosen mucus in your ears, causing the pain to pass. Try taking a warm shower while keeping the door to your bathroom closed. This may lessen the pain in your ear.[1]

Seeking Medical Help

  1. Recognize when a doctor's visit is necessary. If your ear ache does not go away on its own in a few days, you should see a doctor. There are some symptoms that warrant a doctor's visit, even if your ear ache just started. See a doctor if you notice any of the following:[2]
    • A high temperature
    • Vomiting
    • A sore throat
    • Swelling around your ear
    • Discharge from your ear
  2. Take any prescription medication provided. Ear aches are often the result of infections. If your doctor suspects an infection is causing your ear ache, they may recommend prescription medication such as antibiotics. Take the medication as instructed by your doctor. Even when you feel better, always finish the full round of your antibiotics to completely eliminate an infection.[2]
  3. Allow your doctor to remove earwax if necessary. Occasionally, built up earwax can cause ear ache. While earwax can often be safely removed at home, in some cases your doctor may need to remove it in the office. To remove the wax, your doctor will flush out your ear with water.[2]
    • Your doctor can determine if you have a wax buildup during a simple ear exam. If this is the cause of your ear ache, it should be an easy fix.
  4. Get checked for underlying conditions. Ear aches are often benign, but can sometimes be indicative of underlying health conditions. If your doctor suspects another symptom is causing your ear ache, they may want to perform certain tests.[2]
    • Throat infections may cause ear pain. If you have any pain in your throat accompanying your ear pain, your doctor may want to test for things like tonsillitis or strep throat.
    • Jaw issues can also cause ear pain. If you engage in behaviors like grinding your teeth, your doctor may want to examine your jaw.
    • If your ear pain is accompanied by pain in a tooth, it may be a dental abscess. Your doctor may refer you to a dentist.

Preventing a Reoccurrence

  1. Dry your ears after swimming or bathing. If you swim or take baths, drying your ears afterwards can prevent infections that cause aches. Shake out any excess water from your ears and then hold a hair dryer a 12 inches away from each ear. Turn it to low heat and dry each ear.[4]
    • Wearing ear plugs while swimming can also help reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Protect yourself from noise. Loud noises can cause ear aches. If you are routinely exposed to loud environments, take measures to protect your ears. Wear earplugs at louder places and avoid loud noises when you can. Do not play stereos at high volume and turn devices like iPods and iPhones to a lower volume setting when using them with headphones.[5]
  3. Clean your ears properly. The only cleaning you should do for your ears is wiping the outer ear with either a washcloth or tissue. Do not use cotton swabs, bobby pins, or any other small devices, and especially not in the ear canal. These can cause damage to your ear.[5]


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Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://www.emedicinehealth.com/earache/page5_em.htm#what_natural_or_home_remedies_soothe_and_provide_earache_pain_relief
  2. ↑ Jump up to: 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Earache/Pages/Introduction.aspx
  3. Jump up ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ruptured-eardrum/symptoms-causes/dxc-20265965
  4. Jump up ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/earache/page7_em.htm#how_can_earaches_and_ear_pain_be_prevented
  5. ↑ Jump up to: 5.0 5.1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/ear-care-tips
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