Natural Ways to Get Rid of Earache

Earache is among the most common reasons for visiting a primary care physician. When your ear throbs with pain, you want relief fast. Natural ways to get rid of earache can be just as effective as over-the-counter medications. These gentle remedies have been used for generations to soothe ear discomfort. Natural remedies are especially helpful when you can't get to a doctor right away or prefer to avoid conventional medicine. However, you should always consult a physician if you have severe ear pain, especially if it's your first time. So, continue reading to learn about the 10 natural ways to get rid of earache.

What Causes Earaches?

Earaches can happen for different reasons, and the pain may come from the ear itself or nearby areas. Here are the common causes:

• Ear Infections: Bacteria or viruses can infect the middle ear, leading to swelling, fluid buildup, and pain.
• Wax Buildup: Too much earwax can block the ear canal and cause discomfort.
• Injury or Pressure Changes: Scratching the ear, using cotton swabs, or sudden changes in air pressure (like during a flight) can cause pain.
• Sinus Infections: When sinuses are inflamed, the pain can spread to the ears.
• Throat or Jaw Issues: Conditions like a sore throat, tonsillitis, or jaw problems (TMJ) can cause ear pain.
• Teething or Tooth Problems: In children, teething or dental infections may lead to referred ear pain.

If the pain is severe, lasts a long time, or comes with fever or hearing loss, see a doctor for proper treatment.

10 Natural Remedies for Ear Pain Relief

A person may choose to try home remedies to ease pain when the earache is not severe or when they are waiting for medical treatment to start working. If you want to know how to soothe ear pain naturally, then you can rely on the following remedies: 

1. Use an Ice Pack

An earache can become less painful if you apply an ice pack. Freeze a cold pack or wrap ice in paper towels, then cover it with a light cloth. Gently place it on the ear and the area just below it for about 20 minutes. For children, never apply ice directly to their skin, and ensure the cold is soothing, not harmful. 

2. Use Heating Pad

For short pain relief, a heating pad or hot cloth put on the ear for 20 minutes may be useful. For certain individuals, heat provides more relief than cold. Others find that the best pain relief comes from alternating heat and cold packs (20 minutes hot, then 20 minutes cold). While cold temperatures can help reduce pain and inflammation, a heating pad may help enhance blood flow and relax the muscles. 

3. Apply Ear Drops

Ear drops may reduce ear pressure brought on by fluid and earwax. Before applying ear drops to a child, carefully read the instructions and consult a physician. Ear drops should only be used for a few days because they cannot replace prescription ear drops or antibiotics. Moreover, if a child suffers an eardrum rupture or has tubes in their ears, they should not be given ear drops.

4. Neck Exercises for Ear Pain Relief

Neck exercises can help relieve ear canal pressure and reduce pain. A simple technique is neck rotation. Gently rotate your neck and shoulders in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions for 5 to 10 rounds. Continue until your muscles feel relaxed. These exercises can be done while sitting or standing as long as your posture is straight and your shoulders remain relaxed.

5. Avoid Applying Pressure to Your Ears While You Sleep

Certain sleeping positions also help in earache relief without medication, while others can make it worse. Avoid sleeping with the affected ear pressed against the pillow, as this can worsen discomfort. Instead, sleep with the affected ear facing upward. Using extra pillows to elevate your head can also encourage ear drainage, which speeds up relief.

6. Garlic

In traditional medicine, garlic has long been used as the best natural cures for ear infection. According to several studies, garlic possesses antibacterial properties that may fight infection. However, it should not be used in place of antibiotics that a doctor has prescribed. Instead, for quicker relief, include garlic in your diet plan.

7. Olive Oil

There is limited evidence supporting olive oil as a remedy for ear pain. However, it does possess antibacterial properties, making it a safe option to try. Warm a few drops of olive oil (ensure it’s not too hot) and gently apply them to the ear canal. Consult your doctor before attempting this, especially for children. 

8. Onions

Onions, like garlic, have anti-infection and anti-pain properties. However, they are not a replacement for medical treatment. Cook one onion in the microwave for one or two minutes. After straining the liquid, apply a few drops to the ear. Lie down for 10 minutes to allow the fluid to settle, then let it drain from the ear. This method can be repeated as needed but should not replace medical treatment.

9. Hydrogen Peroxide

One of the natural remedies for ear pain relief is hydrogen peroxide, especially if the cause is wax accumulation. This treatment involves applying a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the affected ear. Before allowing it to drain into a sink, let it sit for a few minutes. Rinse your ear with fresh, distilled water to remove any residue. Always use hydrogen peroxide with caution, and avoid it if you have a perforated eardrum.

10. Saltwater Gargles

Ear pain can occasionally result from a sore or strep throat. Gargling with warm salt water can reduce symptoms and comfort a sore throat. Pour a glass of warm water with a tablespoon of salt, gargle, spit out, and repeat. Similarly, warm vegetable broths or soups can also reduce earache and soothe sore throats.

Also Read: Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infection

Get Relief from Earache with Effective Home Remedies!

Many home remedies for earaches may help alleviate earache pain, even though there is limited scientific evidence supporting alternative treatments. Physicians are always advised to prioritize pain management techniques over antibiotics when treating ear infections. This is because ear infections often resolve on their own, and the overuse of antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic-resistant infections.

However, certain conditions may lead to severe ear pain and require expert guidance and support. Our qualified doctors at Apollo Spectra help diagnose ear infections, and provide effective treatment. Book an appointment or consult our doctors today!