We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How can I Relieve Ear Infection Pain?

By Misty Amber Brighton
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,839
Share

If you are suffering from ear infection pain, this can often be relieved by taking an over-the-counter pain medication. You might also want to apply heat to the ear in order to stimulate blood flow to the area. There are a number of home remedies that include the use of natural oils that are thought to relieve earaches. In the event your ears ooze liquid or bleed, you should consult a physician.

Many non-prescription pain relievers can be effective in treating the discomfort associated with an ear infection. Medications containing ibuprofen are often used for this reason. If you choose to try this method of relief, make sure to follow the dosage instructions on the product label to avoid serious complications, which can be harmful or fatal.

A heating pad or hot water bottle can sometimes relieve ear infection pain. You can place this product next to your ear just before falling asleep. Be sure to place a towel around the heat source to make sure you do not burn your skin.

You may want to try a natural cure for ear infection pain. One of the more common treatments is to use warm sweet oil. You can usually purchase this product at a pharmacy without a prescription. Placing two or three drops of it in each ear, two to three times daily, usually makes the pain more tolerable. Be sure to test a couple of drops of the oil on the inside of your wrist, to make sure it is not too hot, before you put it in your ear.

In the event you cannot obtain that remedy, warmed baby or olive oil can also be effective. If you are using baby oil, make sure it does not have any fragrance added to it. Vegetable oil is generally not recommended for treating ear infection pain.

Tea tree oil is thought to have antibiotic properties. For this reason, it may be effective in relieving ear infection symptoms, such as pain. It does not typically need to be heated, but rather may be placed in the ear at room temperature.

If your ear infection pain persists, you may want to have this condition treated by a doctor. This is also true if your ear is swelling, bleeding, or seeping, or if it is accompanied by a high or prolonged fever. An ear infection can be easily treated if diagnosed early. Doing so can prevent a more serious infection from occurring, and reduce the possibility of suffering from hearing loss.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By donasmrs — On May 21, 2013

I get recurrent ear infections if I get water in my ear. So for me, the best treatment is prevention. I wear ear plugs in the shower and when I go swimming. Our ears absolutely hate water and for people with sensitive ears and a history of infections, this can be enough to bring on an ear infection and severe pain.

I clean my ears regularly with sweet oil or baby oil. I think this prevents bacteria from getting in the ear. I also use saline spray for my nose. Saline has salt in it and this helps prevent infections as well.

By fBoyle — On May 20, 2013

@ZipLine-- It's vinegar and peroxide. Some people mix this half and half and leave it in their ear for a few minutes to relieve pain and treat the infection. I've also heard of people using witch hazel but I haven't used any of these remedies, so please ask your doctor before you try it.

I have tried the sweet oil remedy and that is very helpful. I put two or three drops of warm olive oil in each ear and then put a hot water bottle on my ears throughout the day. This is a great ear infection home remedy.

By ZipLine — On May 20, 2013

My grandmother had a home a remedy for ear pain and infection. I don't remember it exactly but I think it had to do with vinegar.

Anyone know what this remedy is? I really need it right now.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-can-i-relieve-ear-infection-pain.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.