Earache can be a miserable experience for both adults and children. The good news is that there are many home remedies you can use to relieve earache and reduce inflammation. This post offers a comprehensive overview of earache remedies, including dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and natural remedies. You’ll learn about the causes of earache, as well as tips for prevention. This post discusses some of the most effective home remedies for relieving ear pain. It provides detailed instructions on how to use different natural ingredients, such as garlic, onion, and ginger, to make homemade ear drops and compresses that are effective at reducing ear pain. It also offers tips on how to prevent ear pain in the future, such as avoiding loud noises and wearing earplugs when swimming. Also it provides advice on when to seek medical help for ear pain, as well as the potential causes of ear pain. Additionally, we provide suggestions for when it is time to seek medical attention. Finally, we discuss the risks associated with using home remedies. By the end of this post, you should have a better understanding of how to manage and treat earache.
Earache is also known as Ear pain (Scientific), kan ka dard (Hindi/Urdu), Kan dukhi (Marathi), Katuvali (Tamil), Er teng (Chinese), Dolor de oido (Spanish), dor de ouvido (Portuguese), karna shula (Bengali), bol’ v ukhe (Russian). The ear has three main parts: the outer (the ear lobe and ear canal), middle (the small space just behind the eardrum), and inner ear (the fluid-filled structures that translate mechanical vibrations into nerve impulses). Problems in the inner ear cause disturbances in hearing and balance, but not pain.
Ear Pain Causes in Children
Dental problems (including teething in kids) can cause pain that seems to come from the ear. Earaches during childhood usually stem from middle ear infection. By the age of five, 80 % of children have had at least one episode. What happens: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear, which is normally an air filled space, with the throat. Something – cigarette smoke, bacteria, viruses, or allergens inflames the Eustachian tube. Inflammation obstructs the tube, which traps microbes that entered from the throat. The microbes multiply. Accumulating fluid (from infection and inflammation) creates pressure against the eardrum, which hurts. Infants and small children are more vulnerable because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, more horizontal, and floppier, making collapse and obstruction of the tube easier. Earaches caused by infections of the middle ear (otitis media) are one of the most common ailments of childhood, especially in children younger than three. But this type of earache can strike adults, too. The problem often begins following a cold or a bout of sinusitis. Bacteria or viruses migrate into the middle ear via the Eustachian tube – the tubular structure that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat – where they cause inflammation and swelling. Swelling may block the Eustachian tube, trapping accumulating fluids and microbes and causing a painful throbbing along with a feeling of fullness. Consult your health care provider to rule out medical problems such as a perforated eardrum, then consider home remedies to ease the discomfort.
Earache Causes in Adults
Signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection include irritability, fever, batting or pulling at the ear, difficulty sleeping, decreased hearing, loss of balance, decreased appetite, and discharge from the ear. Trauma and infection can hurt outer ear. Bacterial and fungal infections in the ear canal as can happen to swimmers cause itching, redness, a feeling of fullness in the ear canal, diminished hearing, and increasing pain. Antibiotic eardrops fight bacterial infection; antifungal drops kill fungi; and steroid eardrops can decrease inflammation. Middle ear pain is caused by a pressure differential between the middle ear and throat. Blood tinged pus exiting the ear is a sign that the eardrum has ruptured. Often the pain immediately subsides. The eardrum usually heals itself. If the ear passage gets dried and crusty, it may start aching. The eardrum may even become tight and painful. However, before treating earache, it is important to first rule out several possibilities, such as infection (otitis externa or otitis interna), perforated eardrum, or excess wax causing pressure on the ear. Having ruled these out, one can then treat earache.
Earache – Ear Pain Relief Natural Remedies
Nevertheless, you should see the doctor. Unless recommended by your doctor, do not instill eardrops into the ear canal if you suspect a ruptured eardrum. Doing so could further contaminate or irritate the now-exposed middle ear. If the doctor prescribes an antibiotic or steroid ear drop, by all means use it.
- Garlic: Taken internally, Garlic can help cure a middle ear infection. A few drops of Garlic oil in the ear can’t hurt either. You can also try using a teaspoon of dried Echinacea in tea. OR Pierce a garlic oil capsule. You can get garlic capsules in health stores. Squeeze a few drops of the garlic oil onto a small cotton ball and place the oil dampened portion gently inside your ear. Leave enough cotton sticking out to make it easy to remove. Leave it in for several hours. OR Ease acute ear ache by inserting a clove of garlic into the affected ear.
- Tea Tree Oil: Begin by pulling down on the lobe of your painful ear. If this hurts, it means there is otitis externa, external ear infection. To heal the infection, take a cotton swab and dip it into tea tree oil, a wonderful natural disinfectant widely available at natural food stores and some pharmacies. Then apply the oil to the ear with the swab. Using plain tea tree oil may create a burning sensation on sensitive skin, so it is usually best to dilute it, using 10 to 20 drops of tea tree oil mixed in 1 ounce of sesame oil.
- Asafetida: It is a quick ear pain reliever remedy. Take a small amount of cotton, put a pinch of asafetida into it, and roll it into a capsule like shape. Place that ball of cotton into the outer ear. The fumes of the asafetida will quickly relieve ear pain.
- Sesame Oil + Garlic: Sesame oil and garlic makes a natural earwax cleanser. Sometimes the wax is stubborn and doesn’t come out easily. Soften the wax by lubricating it with warm garlic oil. Take about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, add 1/2 clove of freshly chopped garlic, and boil it until the garlic pieces turn brown. It will have a pleasant smell. Then press the oil from the garlic, and strain it into a jar or other container. Plain sesame oil will also work, but the garlic oil will be more effective. Then, 2 or 3 times a day, put a few drops of that oil – when it is warm, not hot – into the ear. That will lubricate the ear passage and soften the wax for easy removal.
- Olive Oil: Built up wax can be treated by first using warmed olive oil as ear drops for a few days, then rinse the softened wax plug out with lukewarm chamomile tea.
- Onion: Combine 1 teaspoon fresh onion juice with 1/2 teaspoon honey. Mix well. Put 5 to 10 drops into the affected ear. The mixture should be room temperature or a little warmer before you put it in your ear. OR Wrap freshly cut onion slices in a dry cloth; place this onto the affected ear. After a very short while the onion warms and begins to break down. The pain disappears as the onion pulls out the pain.
- Heat Compress: Earache can also be moderated by heat. Take a handkerchief and put it on a warm (not hot) pan, fold it, and place it on the ear to give a little soothing external heat. OR Make a warm compress by soaking a hand towel in hot water (not hot enough to burn skin); wring out the excess. Fold the towel in thirds the long way and position it under your chin, wrapping the ends up alongside the jaw line and continuing up to your ears. Hold it there until the compress cools, then rewarm the towel in hot water and repeat. Do this two or three times a day.
- Oil: A few drops of oil on a cotton ball plugged into the ear relieves a mild earache.
- Lemon + Honey: Glue ear is a persistent condition in children in which there is a build up of sticky fluid in the middle ear. It may be caused by chronic nose or throat infection, but can also be due to allergies or exposure to draughts. Drink lemon and honey or cider vinegar to clear the mucus and to strengthen the immune system.
- Prevent the buildup of earwax. Once a month, sleep on your left side. Fill your right ear with warm sesame oil, and go to bed. The whole night, the ear passage will be soaked in the sesame oil. The wax will rise up toward the surface of the ear canal, and you can clean it out in the morning with a dry cotton swab. The next night, sleep on the other side and treat the other ear in the same way. This way you can avoid the tendency for excess earwax to form. Even a couple of hours with the oil filling the canal will do the trick.
Tips to Prevent Earache
- Use an ear candle (available from health stores) to heat and draw out excess wax. Constant prodding or cleaning of the ear can lead to excessive ear wax production.
- If you have an infant, know that breast feeding provides immune protection against a number of infections, including middle ear infections.
- Make sure you’re drinking lots of fluids. The act of swallowing tends to stimulate the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tube to contract, which may help trapped fluid to drain. Gargling with warm water can have a similar effect.
- Avoid getting irritants, such as hairspray, in your ear canals by gently plugging the outermost part of the canals with cotton balls while you’re spraying.
- If you’re traveling by air with an infant, try to nurse or bottle-feed him or her during takeoff and landing. sucking helps open the eustachian tube to equilibrate the pressure in the middle ear. If the baby starts to cry during a car ride, up and down the mountains, see whether a feeding relieves the discomfort. children age four and up and adults can chew gum to help open the eustachian tube. Younger children are at risk for inhaling gum into their lungs.
FAQs.
Q. What is the difference between earache and ear pain?
Ear pain is a general term to describe any discomfort or pain felt in or around the ear. Earache is a type of ear pain that is caused by an infection or inflammation of the ear.
Q. What are the home remedies for earache?
- Saltwater Rinse: Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and use it as a nasal rinse to help relieve symptoms.
- Steam: Inhaling steam can help loosen congestion and keep mucus membranes moist.
- Rest: Getting plenty of rest to let your body focus energy on fighting the infection.
- Over-the-counter Medications: Many OTC medications can help relieve sinus infection symptoms.
- Hot Compresses: Applying a hot compress, such as a warm washcloth, to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help keep the air from becoming too dry, which can irritate your sinuses.
Q. Why does olive oil cure earaches?
Olive oil is not recommended as a treatment for ear pain. If you are experiencing ear pain, it is best to consult with a doctor to determine the cause of the pain and the best treatment plan.
Q. What is the best solution for earache sufferers to be safe for swimming?
- Make sure to keep any cuts or open wounds on your body covered with a waterproof bandage before swimming.
- Avoid swimming in heavily chlorinated pools or saltwater, as the chemicals can irritate your earache.
- Wear earplugs to keep water out of your ears.
- Take a break from swimming if your earache worsens.
- After swimming, dry your ears out thoroughly with a towel.
- Avoid diving or swimming in very cold water, as this can cause your earache to worsen.
- Talk to your doctor to make sure you’re taking the right medications or using the correct ear drops to treat your earache.
Q. What are the best ways to avoid earaches on long airplane trips?
If you experience a toothache while flying, it is best to speak with the flight attendant and explain your situation. The flight attendant may be able to provide you with a cold compress or other measures to help reduce pain. Additionally, it is important to stay hydrated, as dehydration can worsen tooth pain. If possible, it may be helpful to speak with a dentist prior to your flight to make sure that any existing dental issues are addressed before traveling.
Q. What causes earaches? What is earache caused by?
Earaches can be caused by a variety of things, including infections (such as ear infections, swimmer’s ear, or sinus infections), allergies, foreign objects stuck in the ear, eustachian tube dysfunction, temporomandibular joint disorder, barotrauma (due to changes in pressure, such as on a plane), and trauma to the ear or head.
Q. How do you relieve an earache with coffee cup?
Using a cup for ear pain is known as cupping therapy. To perform cupping therapy, heat a glass cup with a flame and then place it over the affected ear. After a few minutes, remove the cup and the suction created should help reduce the pain.
Q. What causes an earache during a flight?
Earaches during a flight are usually caused by changes in air pressure, which can cause the air in the inner ear to become blocked. This can be painful and cause a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Q. Can a cavity cause an earache?
Yes, a cavity can cause an earache. This is because the cavity can become infected, which can cause pain and discomfort in the ear.
Q. What is an earache?
An earache is a pain in or around the ear. It can be caused by a number of different things, including ear infections, allergies, a buildup of wax, or a foreign object stuck in the ear canal.
Q. What is the trick for ear infection?
The best way to treat an ear infection is to see a doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics. However, there are some home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of an ear infection, including:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected ear to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
- Place a few drops of warm olive oil or baby oil in the ear canal to help loosen and remove any wax buildup.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Use a saline nasal spray to help clear up any congestion.
- Use a humidifier in the bedroom to help keep the air moist and reduce inflammation.
Q. How do I get immediate relief from earache?
- Apply a warm compress to the affected ear.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- Use an over-the-counter ear drops.
- Try using a mixture of equal parts of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar in the affected ear.
- Try using a natural home remedy, such as garlic oil, mullein oil, or tea tree oil.
- Avoid loud noise and water in the affected ear.
- See a doctor if the pain persists.
Q. Can allergies cause earaches?
Yes, allergies can cause earaches. Allergies can cause inflammation in the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. This inflammation can cause a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, leading to earache and other symptoms.
Q. How do you cure an earache naturally?
- Place a warm compress on the affected ear.
- Try using few drops of warm oil. Any one of the following
- Garlic oil.
- Olive oil.
- Tea Tree oil.
- Mullein oil.
- Try using apple cider vinegar.
- Try using onions.
- Try using basil leaves.
- Use a warm compress of chamomile tea.
Q. Is it possibly for a toothache to cause an earache?
Yes, it is possible for a toothache to cause an earache. This occurs when the pain from the tooth radiates to the ear, usually due to the close proximity of the two organs. This is called referred pain. If you experience both a toothache and an earache, it is important to consult a dentist or doctor to determine the cause.
Q. Can black seed oil cure an earache?
No, black seed oil will not cure an earache. An earache is likely caused by an infection or an injury, and should be treated with antibiotics or other prescription medications. If you are experiencing an earache, please consult your doctor for the best treatment.
Q. Is it common for a migraine headache to cause an earache?
Migraine headaches can cause a variety of symptoms, including earaches. Earaches are usually the result of a change in pressure or a disruption to the nerve pathways involved in hearing. It is not uncommon for people with migraines to experience earaches.
Q. What causes an earache after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Earaches after a wisdom tooth extraction can be caused by a variety of factors. Most commonly, the earache is caused by inflammation of the tissues around the extraction site. This is often the result of trauma caused by the extraction procedure, as well as from the swelling that can occur after the procedure. It is also possible for the earache to be caused by secondary infections, as bacteria from the mouth can travel to the ear through the Eustachian tube. Rarely, earaches can be caused by a blocked Eustachian tube, or from a nerve injury associated with the extraction.
Q. What are the main causes of earaches on both ears?
- Ear Infections: Ear infections are the most common cause of earaches, particularly in children. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even allergies.
- Swimmer’s Ear: This is an infection of the outer ear canal that is caused by bacteria or fungi. It is often seen in people who swim frequently.
- Earwax Build-up: Earwax is a normal bodily secretion that can accumulate in the ear canal and cause a blockage. This can lead to pain and discomfort.
- Foreign Objects: Anything that is placed in the ear canal, such as a cotton bud or a hearing aid, can cause irritation and inflammation.
- Sinus Problems: Infections or inflammation in the sinuses may cause pressure in the ear and pain.
- Trauma: Injury to the ear or head can cause pain and discomfort.
- Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors may cause earaches in some cases.
Q. What causes a throbbing earache?
Throbbing earache can be caused by a variety of things, such as an ear infection, impacted earwax, a traumatic injury to the ear, or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. It can also be caused by an allergic reaction or an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or a sinus infection.
Q. Can wisdom teeth cause earache and headache?
In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause pain that radiates to the ear, jaw, and head, leading to earache, headache, and facial pain. This is usually due to the wisdom tooth pushing against the other teeth, causing a pressure-like sensation. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your dentist for an evaluation and treatment.
Q. How can I get rid of an earache at night?
- Over-the-counter Pain Relief: Taking over-the-counter pain relief can help reduce the pain and discomfort associated with an earache.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce pain.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated helps keep the mucous membranes in the ear moist and can help reduce pain.
- Avoid Loud Noises: Loud noises can irritate the ear and worsen the earache.
- Avoid Lying on the Affected Side: Lying on the affected side can put pressure on the ear and increase pain.
- Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Q. Are there ways to relieve pain with onion when you have an earache?
Onion is not a recommended remedy for earache. For earache, it is best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Over-the-counter pain medications may help to reduce discomfort. If an infection is present, antibiotics may be prescribed. Additionally, applying a warm compress over the affected ear may help to reduce pain and swelling. But if you still want to give a try, here are steps how to use it:
- Start by cutting a fresh onion into thin slices.
- Place the slices onto a clean cloth and warm them in a microwave or on the stove top.
- Place the warm onion slices over the affected ear and cover with a clean cloth.
- Leave the warm onion slices in place for up to 30 minutes.
- Remove the onion slices and discard them.
- Repeat the process up to three times a day until the earache subsides.
Q. Can I use Vicks for ear pain?
No, it is not recommended to use Vicks for an earache. Vicks is not meant to be used inside the ear, and it can cause irritation and inflammation. For an earache, it is best to seek medical advice. Still some people believe that, Vicks works by providing a combination of soothing menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oils to help relieve eaache and congestion. When applied to the skin, these ingredients help to open up the airways, reduce inflammation, and provide temporary relief from aches and pains. The combination of ingredients can also help to reduce mucus production, which can help to reduce chest congestion and provide relief from a cold or flu. Here are steps how to use it:
- Fill a small bowl with warm water. Add a capful of Vicks VapoRub to the water.
- Dip a cotton ball into the mixture and squeeze out any excess liquid.
- Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
- Gently place the soaked cotton ball into the ear.
- Leave it in for several minutes.
- Remove the cotton ball and wipe away any excess liquid.
- Repeat the process for the other ear if necessary.
Q. How can I treat an earache after a wisdom tooth extraction?
- Take pain medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Apply a warm compress to your ear to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Use over-the-counter ear drops to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Avoid any activities that require straining or bending, as this can cause increased pressure in the ear and increase discomfort.
- Gently massage the area around the ear to reduce tension.
- Take a warm bath or shower to relax and reduce pain.
- Rest with your head elevated to reduce swelling in the ear.
- Avoid loud noises and loud music.
- Avoid blowing your nose or chewing gum.
- Avoid using a cotton swab to clean your ear.
Q. Do ear drops make an earache go away?
No, ear drops cannot make an earache go away. Depending on the cause of the earache, you may need to see a doctor for treatment.
Q. I seem to get an earache every year. Can I do anything to prevent it?
Yes, you can take measures to reduce your chances of getting an earache. Avoiding loud noises, wearing ear protection when necessary, and washing your hands often can help reduce the risk of an earache. Additionally, staying well-hydrated and avoiding smoking can help keep your ears healthy. If you do get an earache, see your doctor for treatment.
Q. What can you do for an earache in a child?
- Apply a warm compress to the affected ear.
- Place a few drops of warm olive oil in the ear to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Make sure the child is getting plenty of rest and fluids.
- Avoid flying or swimming if the earache is caused by an infection.
- Consult a doctor if the pain persists or if the child has a fever.
Q. What are the symptoms associated with an earache?
- Pain in one or both ears
- Itching or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- Drainage from the ear
- Fever
- Trouble hearing
- Headache
- Swelling around the ear
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability or fussiness in a child
- Loss of balance
Q. Can an earache actually be caused by a large mouth ulcer in the throat?
Yes, it is possible that a large mouth ulcer in the throat could cause an earache. This is because when a person has a large mouth ulcer, it can cause inflammation of the throat, which can then cause the fluid in the Eustachian tubes to become blocked. This can then cause pain and discomfort in the ear.