Earache pain can be incredibly frustrating and debilitating. It can make it difficult to sleep, work, or even participate in your normal activities. Fortunately, there are a few home remedies that can provide relief from earache pain. In this blog post, we will discuss eight of the most effective home remedies for earache pain.
1. Change your sleep position
During the day, the head is almost always in a vertical position. This causes the Eustachian tubes, the tubes that connect the throat and middle ear, to open and drain fluid. When you lie down, the Eustachian tubes are closed, making it harder for air to pass through. This can cause earache pain. To avoid this situation, sleep without placing pressure on the ear.
Elevate the head while sleeping. An elevated position will allow fluids and secretions to drain and ease the pressure inside the ear. A specialized wedge pillow can also help you sleep upright. This position will help you get a good night’s sleep. If you must sleep on your side, however, use a pillow with an ear hole in the middle. If the pain persists, consult your doctor.
If one-sided of your body is affected, sleep on the opposite side. This will relieve pressure on the ear and reduce the pain. Another option is to sleep on a reclining chair. Memory foam pillows can also be helpful when sleeping. They provide better support and contoured comfort. If you’re not a side sleeper, try sleeping on a side with a healthy ear.
2. A cool or warm compress
A cool or warm compress is beneficial in easing earache pain. You can use a clean washcloth, a warm water bottle, or a warmed gel pack. Make sure to apply heat gently and don’t allow the compress to burn your skin. If you cannot move your head, don’t apply heat to your head. Use ice packs for severe pain or a warm compress for milder pain.
A hot or cold compress can also help relieve the pain in the ear. The heat may numb the pain and reduce inflammation, but be sure to cover it with a towel to prevent burns. Likewise, pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with fever and pain. OTC medications can be helpful if you have antibiotics in your body.
3. Massage
If you’re suffering from earache pain, you may want to try massage. Ears are sensitive areas, but massage can relieve the pain and help drain excess fluid from the ear. Make sure you gently massage the area with downward pressure and work towards the front of the ear.
It is possible to massage the ear with acupressure, which works on the apex, which is the cartilage between the forefinger and thumb. This point is used for a variety of conditions, including headaches, sinus pain, and gastrointestinal problems. Massage for earache pain is effective for easing the discomfort and relieving tension in the neck, jaw, and forehead muscles. You can try this remedy at least twice a day, depending on your condition.
4. Garlic
You can use garlic oil to help relieve earache pain, but it’s important to note that it isn’t a substitute for antibiotics. If you have acute otitis media, you’ll want to visit a doctor right away. It can also irritate your middle ear, which is why you should never use it if you have ruptured your eardrum.
Garlic oil may also cause skin irritation and even dermatitis, so be sure to avoid it in these cases. You should seek medical advice if you notice skin irritation or ear pain. Also, you should avoid using garlic if you’re pregnant or have a medical condition.
5. Onions
Among home remedies for earache pain, onions are a good choice. Onions are rich in the sulfur compound allicin. Onions are also packed with enzymes and sulfur-rich amino acids. The enzymes in onions are responsible for the production of syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which stimulates the lachrymal glands to release tears. Additionally, onions contain an anti-microbial substance known as allicin.
To make the most effective onion compress, cut a thin onion bulb in half. Heat it in the oven or microwave on high for fifteen minutes. Then, press the onion bulb against the painful ear to extract its juice. Apply the onion compress to the ear, using a hat or headband to hold it in place. The onion will stop the irritation and provide relief within 20 minutes. The anti-inflammatory effect of the onion helps soothe the ear and help it heal itself.
A poultice made from onions is another home remedy for earache pain. It’s a great treatment that works with many other home remedies. A poultice of onion juice applied to the inflamed ear can also provide relief.
Onions contain quercetin, a flavonoid that reduces inflammation. By heating an onion at 450 degrees, a poultice of onion juice can be applied to the affected ear. Alternatively, you can use the onion half directly onto the infected ear.
6. Olive oil
The use of olive oil for earache pain is an old-fashioned remedy for soothing the ache. Usually, people pour a couple of drops of warm olive oil into the affected ear and gently pull the outer part of the ear up. Next, they massage the oil into the earwax. Depending on the severity of the pain, they might repeat the procedure several times. However, if the olive oil is too hot, it can damage the eardrum.
Another way to treat earache pain with olive oil is to heat a teaspoon of the oil to a lukewarm temperature. To heat the oil, you should place a small bottle under a warm tap and shake it gently to make sure it gets heated evenly. It’s important to keep the fluid close to body temperature. Cold or hot fluids can cause dizziness. Apply the oil to the affected ear at least three times a day for two to three weeks.
Essential oils can be applied directly to the ear to relieve pain. They contain antibacterial and antiviral properties and may inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses. Basil, oregano, and garlic are known to alleviate ear pain. A few drops of these oils mixed with olive oil can also be applied directly to the ear. Another alternative is to apply them to a cotton ball that is placed on the opening of the ear.
7. Ginger
You can treat earache pain naturally with ginger. Ginger has powerful medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and antibiotic properties. You can either consume fresh ginger juice or apply ginger oil to the ear. A mixture of grated ginger and olive oil can reduce pain and inflammation. Apply ginger oil to the ear and wait for fifteen to twenty minutes. You can also apply ginger slices to the affected ear.
Ginger is anti-inflammatory and soothes ear pain. To apply ginger juice to the affected ear, crush 4 to five tablespoons of fresh ginger and wring out the juice. Then, place the warm or cold compress on the affected ear for up to five minutes.
8. Neck exercises
One way to help eliminate earache pain is to perform neck exercises. These exercises strengthen the neck muscles and improve mobility. Make sure you do only the exercises that work the best for you and do not try to perform any exercises if they increase the pain. Always consult a doctor before beginning any exercise routine.
One exercise that is particularly beneficial for easing earache pain in neck rotation. This can be performed by sitting upright. You should rotate your head until it’s parallel with your left or right shoulder. Be sure to raise your shoulders so your ears are covered. Hold for five seconds and repeat as often as possible. Repeat several times throughout the day. These exercises can be done anytime during the day. Once you master these exercises, they’ll be a lifesaver for easing earache pain.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing earache pain, there are a few home remedies that might provide relief. We have outlined eight of the most effective remedies for your convenience. However, if the pain persists or worsens, please seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional. Have you tried any of these home remedies for earache pain? What worked best for you?
Dr. Pauline Dinnauer AuD
Pauline Dinnauer is the VP of Audiological Care at Connect Hearing , which provides industry-leading hearing loss, hearing testing, and hearing aid consultation across the US.
