Earache

There can be lots of different reasons for earache, a few of which can be serious.  But, you can try these remedies for the non-serious types of earache.  Remember to book an appointment with the doctor if you have any concerns.

Keep your ears dry

Try not to get any water in your ears whilst bathing or showering.

Don’t put anything in your ear

Tempting as it may be, don’t try to clear out your ear with cotton buds or anything else. It could make any problems worse.

Hot or Cold pack

Hold a hot or cold pack to the affected ear for 20 minutes, but do stop if it starts to hurt.  Remember that a hot pack should not be unbearably hot. A cold pack should be wrapped in some kitchen towel or a tea towel, so that it does not directly touch the skin. If you don’t have a hot or cold pack, a warm or cold flannel will do just as well.

Massage and neck exercises

If your earache is caused by pressure in your ear canal, neck exercises can help. To exercise your neck, sit up straight with both feet on the ground.  Then slowly lean your head to the right, until it is parallel with your shoulder.  Count to five and then relax.  Repeat to the left.  Next, slowly raise your shoulders high as if you were trying to cover your ears.  Again, count to five and then relax.  Repeat as needed.

If your earache is caused by a tension headache, massage can help.  Try gently rubbing the muscles of your jaw or neck. Some people even find massage helps if your earache is caused by sinus infection – try gently rubbing the ear where the pain is, but remember not to put your finger inside your ear.

Some people find that a trip to the chiropractor can be very effective in reducing ear pain.

Sleep upright

Sleeping upright can encourage any fluid in your ear to drain out, and ease any pressure and pain in your middle ear. Try propping yourself up in bed with lots of pillows.

Humidity and steam

Increasing humidity and steam can help soothe an earache.  To increase the humidity in your home you could use a humidifier, or place a bowl of hot water in the room where you are sitting or sleeping.  A longer term option is to get lots of houseplants, as these increase humidity levels in the house.

Herbal steam inhalation can help reduce sinus congestion, if this is causing your earache.  Boil some water and pour into a basin.  Add some of your favourite herbs, if you happen to have any (rosemary, sage and lemon balm are good options).  Then drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam.

Olive oil or vinegar

Olive oil and vinegar are traditional remedies for earache.

For olive oil, warm the oil gently to no more than body temperature. Add some crushed garlic, grated ginger or a few drops of tea tree oil if you like.  Strain the oil, and put a few drops into your ear.  For vinegar, put some apple cider vinegar onto a cotton pad, then put the cotton pad in your ear.

It’s important to note that neither of these remedies is endorsed by the NHS, as they break the rules of not getting your ear wet, not trying to remove earwax, and not putting anything into your ear.  Definitely don’t do this if there is any possibility that you could have a ruptured eardrum.

Sucking

If all else fails, try sucking a boiled sweet or chewing some chewing gum, as some people find that this can soothe the pain of an earache, by reducing pressure in the Eustachian tubes

Earache in children

Try the NHS Self-Care sheet for earache in children.