Home Remedies for Earache Pain

• Relieving the pain of an earache doesn't always have to involve a trip to the doctor's office. Some remedies can be found right in your home.
  
  Warm olive oil is a quick and easy way to provide relief. Simply place a small amount of oil in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds. Check the temperature on the inside of your wrist. It should be slightly warmer than body temperature. Lie down on the unaffected ear, with the painful ear facing up. Place three to five drops of warm oil in the affected ear and hold this position for approximately 20 minutes. If you must get up and move around right away, place a cotton ball in the ear to prevent the oil from dripping out.
  
  A simple warm wash cloth can provide some measure of relief for an earache. Wet the wash cloth with warm water, wring the cloth out well and apply the cloth to the painful ear. Don't push the wash cloth into the ear opening; just place it on top while lying on your other side.
  
  Chewing gum can relieve an earache caused by pressure changes and fluid buildup. The movement of the jaw can open up the Eustachian tubes, thus reducing or eliminating the pain.
  
  Warm air from a hair dryer is another simple but effective treatment for earache pain. Set the dryer on low and hold it 12 to 18 inches away from the offending ear. Aim the air flow at the ear. Be careful not to get too close or use air that is faster or hotter than is comfortable, as this can actually make the earache worse.
  
  

Drugstore Earache Remedies

• Some remedies require a trip to the drugstore. If your earache is caused by swimmer's ear, look for ear drops specifically designed for releasing water trapped in the ear. For earaches related to congested sinuses, try a general decongestant or even irrigating your sinuses with a neti pot.
  
  

Warnings

• If you suspect your earache is due to an infection, do not attempt to treat it yourself. Delaying professional treatment of an ear infection could result in permanent hearing damage. Do not insert anything into your ear if the eardrum has burst. If your earache is accompanied by a fever or is extremely painful, see your doctor immediately.