How to Relieve Earache Naturally: 8 Effective Home Remedies

Anybody who has ever had an earache or suffered from significant ear pain knows that it’s not fun! Earaches can be caused by a variety of seemingly unconnected things, but fortunately there are natural at-home remedies to help alleviate ear pain. Let’s look at some common causes and what you can do at home to help with pain management.

Common Causes of Earaches

Earaches are one of the most common health issues seen by doctors and can affect young and old alike often unprompted. Usually manifesting as anything from a dull ache to a sharp, unrelenting pain in one or both ears, earaches will most often resolve themselves in one to two weeks. If, for any reason, you find yourself with ear pain lasting longer than a couple of weeks, you should visit your primary care provider for professional audiologist for follow up.

It’s important to remember that earaches and ear pain are not always infection related. Sometimes the pain can be more closely associated with sickness or what is called “referred” pain.

Wax impaction

Excessive earwax which blocks or impacts the ear canal can create pressure against the ear canal walls and/or eardrum, causing pain. Avoid sticking anything in the ear, including cotton swabs, as this can push wax further and possibly damage the auditory duct. See our article on Ear Wax for more information on how to manage this. (ADD the link to Ear Wax blog)

Ear infection (Otitis media)

One of the most common reasons for ear pain is an ear infection, especially acute otitis media. This type of infection occurs in the middle ear and is particularly common in young children, although it can affect anyone at any age. Research shows that around 30% of children had at least one ear infection by the time they turn one, which underlines how widespread this problem is (Büyükcam et al., 2018). When an infection occurs, it can cause swelling and accumulation of liquid behind the eardrum, causing strong pain and discomfort.

Parents dealing with children with acute otitis media - a common cause of ear pain - should also keep an eye on specific symptoms. Research led by Van Uum et al. (2019) shows that parents often want to know if their child's pain can be managed at home or if it requires a trip to the doctor. If your child is very difficult, pulling on his ear without stopping or seems unusually tired, these are signs that you should consult a health professional.

Allergies, Colds & Sinus infections

Allergies can also cause ear pain. Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and the throat. This inflammation can affect the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, leading to pressure changes and pain. This is particularly common during allergic seasons or in environments with irritants suspended in the air.

Also consider whether recent illness could be linked, such as a cold or sinus infection, as this can cause congestion of the ear. Sometimes simple home remedies such as applying a hot compress to the affected ear can provide comfort while waiting to see a doctor.

Foreign objects

A foreign object in the ear canal, such as the tip of cotton swab/Q-tip can create press against or scratch the walls of the ear canal or create pressure against the eardrum.

Barotrauma

Sudden changes in barometric (air) or water pressure may cause pain or damage to the. Barotrauma can occur when there are changes in altitude, like when flying in an airplane or while scuba diving. This can make your ears feel full and you may have temporary trouble hearing. Thankfully, it is rare that barotrauma causes a ruptured eardrum and can often be relieved by equalising pressure in the ears.

Swimmer's ear

Otitis externa, or infection of the outer ear, is often known as swimmer's ear. It occurs when water gets trapped in the ear canal providing a moist and humid environment in which bacteria can thrive.

Acoustic trauma

Acoustic trauma is an injury to the inner ear often caused by exposure to a high-level noise. It can occur after exposure to a single, very loud noise or from exposure to noises at significant levels over a longer period of time. Injury to the inner ear in itself may not be painful, however in some cases, sudden loud sounds may injure the eardrum or the small muscles in the ear, and this may cause pain.

Referred pain

Sometimes ear pain can come from problems outside the ear itself. This is called referred pain and can make it difficult to determine the real source of the problem.

Some conditions such as sinus infections or dental problems can send pain signals that have the impression of coming from the ear. These include:

• Sinus or throat infections and head colds
• Dental problems or pain in the jaw from an impacted or infected tooth or teeth grinding
• Cold weather sometimes causes ear pain for some people.

Understanding these various causes of ear pain allows us to identify the right remedies and steps to take when discomfort occurs. Being aware of these factors is essential for effective management. If you feel symptoms of ear pain, take note of any other signs, such as fever, fluid drainage, hearing loss or persistent pain that lasts more than a few days, as they may indicate a need for medical care, which could save you more serious complications later (Rutter, 2020).

Natural and Home Remedies that Will Help Alleviate Earaches and Ear Pain

Many people prefer natural solutions to handle pain, and some remedies have an effectiveness history supported by studies. The good news for people who are suffering from an earache is that there are several great home remedies that work to relieve discomfort and stop the annoying pain. Many of these have been used successfully for years and are recommended by clinicians (as well as moms) as a first line of defense in combatting earaches.

Here is a list of some home remedies which might be helpful:

1 - Homeopathy:

A popular remedy is homeopathy. Recent studies suggest that homeopathic treatments can help reduce otitis media symptoms, which is an ear infection that occurs mainly in children. According to Perry et al. (2024), these treatments can decrease the need for antibiotics, which is important since the excess use of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Homeopathy implies the use of very small doses of natural substances to stimulate the body's healing process.

2 - Apply warm or cold compresses:

Another soothing option is to use a warm compress. Simply take a clean cloth, soak it in warm water and place it on the affected ear. Heat can help relax the muscles around the ear and can reduce pain. This method is particularly useful for those who experience discomfort due to colds. It is a widely practiced remedy that has stood the test of time because many find relief.

Some people recommend alternating between a warm and cold compress every 10 or 15 minutes. Remember, with heating pads, never fall asleep while using them and never let children use them unsupervised. With cold or ice, always cover with a cloth and never apply directly to the skin.

Compresses work best when applied under the ear.

3 - Garlic oil:

Garlic oil is another natural remedy that people have used for centuries. Garlic has natural antibacterial properties, which can help fight infection. To use this remedy, you can crush some garlic cloves and mix them with olive oil. Heat gently and let it cool. Then, place a few drops in the affected ear. A study by Dosen et al. (2015) found that garlic oil can provide pain relief and has demonstrated effectiveness against various types of bacteria that could cause ear infections.

4 - Apple cider vinegar (ACV):

Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is also known for its healing and anti-bacterial properties and restoring pH balance, has been used as a home remedy for treating ear infections. Being acidic, it can help kill bacteria, which could be beneficial especially in the case of outer ear infection. Dilute the equal parts of ACV and water, then use a dropper to place a few drops in the ear. Wait several minutes, then drain. However, be cautious: Never use this remedy if you suspect a perforated eardrum, as this could cause more harm than good.

5 - Ear drops:

Long used in commercial ear drops, hydrogen peroxide diluted with equal parts water can be used to gently breakdown cerumen/ ear wax, which might be causing ear pain. Apply several drops into the ear, let sit for few minutes, and then drain out – rinse with clean water.

To soften ear wax, you could also try dropping a few drops of warm olive oil into the ear canal, no warmer than body temperature to avoid burning the inside of the ear.

Naturopathic herbal ear drops can be found at any local health food store and now most major supermarkets. These drops tend to have a clove or lavender base and often contain ginger, a natural anti-bacterial.

6 - Chewing gum or sucking candy:

To relieve ear pressure that’s causing pain, try chewing gum or sucking on candy. This reduces the pressure that is built up in the Eustachian tubes located between the middle ear and the back of the nose and throat. This is especially helpful when you encounter a change in altitude, such as when flying in an airplane or when driving in the mountains. In these cases, swallowing frequently can also help.

7- Adjust your sleeping position:

Change your sleeping position by propping up your head and torso instead of lying flat on your back or on your side. This will often help in at least getting a better night’s sleep during the time it takes for the earache to resolve.

8 - Over-the-counter (OTC) meds:

There are always over the counter pain relievers, in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that will help alleviate ear pain. The most common OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen (tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil). These can effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can also be useful, especially if your ear pain is linked to allergies or a cold that causes congestion.

When using OTC medication, always follow the instructions on the packaging. For adults, ibuprofen can generally be taken every 6 to 8 hours, while acetaminophen is often taken every 4 to 6 hours. For children, it is essential to check the right dose according to their weight and age. Always see a pediatrician if you are not sure of the right dose for a child.

These treatments, used judiciously, will aid in reducing ear pain associated with earaches. When using home remedies, it is essential however to monitor its effects. Not everyone responds in the same way to natural treatments, and some remedies can work better for certain people than for others. Ear pain can be uncomfortable and frustrating. If you try a home remedy and do not notice any relief, seek medical advice to determine the correct course of action.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, about 80% of ear infections clear on their own, but professional advice is crucial in cases that do not improve.

It is important to note that even if these treatments can relieve, they are not a remedy for the underlying cause of hearing pain. Büyükcam et al. in 2018, underline that, proactive measures, such as the search for professional advice early, can help prevent complications from infections or other serious conditions. Listening to your body is the key: If home remedies do not help in a few days or if your symptoms aggravate further (your pain persists for more than a few days, or if it worsens, there is discharge from the ear or you develop a high fever (Blenkinsopp and Al. (2022)), it's time to make an appointment with a doctor. These symptoms may indicate more serious disease, such as an ear infection that may require antibiotic treatment, or a surgical intervention to insert pressure equalising ear tubes.

Conclusion

Kudos for reading this far. Many people may not realise that ear health education can make a big difference in the way they manage their symptoms. A study published by Dosemane et al. in 2015, showed that when people are informed of appropriate ear treatments, they often have best practices and results.

Another important factor in ear health is to understand preventive measures. Simple steps like keeping the ears dry, avoiding strong noises and not inserting objects into the ear can greatly contribute avoiding ear pain. In addition, regular checks can help identify potential problems early. For example, children are more prone to otitis, and screening can help therapists intervene earlier when necessary. Being proactive on ear health can cause fewer problems down the road.

In the end, knowing the causes of ear pain, potential remedies and the right time to consult a doctor is essential. Being educated can help you sail effectively in ear pain. By balancing the use of home remedies and drugs with professional advice, you'll be in a strong position to maintaining your ear health. Remember that, although natural treatments can provide a certain relief, they should replace professional advice. If you are unsure, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go see your doctor. A progressively worsening hearing loss can be a sign that something is not right and needs quick follow up.

For the more routine earaches and pains, these natural and home remedies should do the trick! Have you already tried any of these methods? Did they work? Tell us about your experience in the comments!

References:

Rutter, P. (2020). Community pharmacy: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Elsevier Health Sciences.

Perry, R., Huntley, A. L., Lai, N. M., Teut, M., Martin, D. D., & van der Werf, E. T. (2024). The effectiveness of homeopathy in relieving symptoms and reducing antibiotic use in patients with otitis media: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon, 10(20).

Dosemane, D., Ganapathi, K., & Kanthila, J. (2015). Knowledge, attitude and practice of ear care in coastal Karnataka. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research: JCDR, 9(12), MC01.

Blenkinsopp, A., Duerden, M., & Blenkinsopp, J. (2022). Symptoms in the pharmacy: a guide to the management of common illnesses. John Wiley & Sons.

Van Uum, R. T., Venekamp, R. P., Schilder, A. G., Damoiseaux, R. A., & Anthierens, S. (2019). Pain management in acute otitis media: a qualitative study of parents’ views and expectations. BMC family practice, 20, 1-7.

Büyükcam, A., Kara, A., Bedir, T., Gülhan, B., Özdemir, H., Sütçü, M., ... & Atla, P. (2018). Pediatricians′ attitudes in management of acute otitis media and ear pain in Turkey. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 107, 14-20.