Earaches are a painful annoyance for anyone who has them. Knowing how to get rid of an earache properly can help shorten its duration and speed up relief.
Earache is a common problem in adults and children—that sharp, dull, or burning pain in one or both ears. When it strikes, you know it’s an earache. About 80 percent of children will develop a painful ear infection before the age of 3, while many adults have earaches caused by sore throats, jaw issues, or even pressure from flying. Earaches can result in steady pain or pain that comes and goes.
Ear pain is no fun, regardless of the cause. Fortunately, earaches are not often serious medical conditions. Better yet, there are many ways to solve the problem, quickly relieve the pain and start feeling much better soon.
Healthcare providers are well-versed in treating ear troubles. In fact, earaches and infections are some of the most common reasons children visit the doctor. There are many causes of sore ears—both for kids and adults. The ear itself might be causing the pain, often due to an outer or middle ear infection. Other times, various medical conditions lead to ear pain, such as a sinus infection, infected tooth, or gastric reflux.
Whether it’s at home or under the guidance of a medical professional, there are many ways to find earache relief.
Some of the quickest ways to address ear pain include over-the-counter ear drops, as long as the eardrum has not ruptured. Medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) also help with immediate relief for ear pain; check with your medical provider about doses for different ages.
Remember that children under 3 years old must not take aspirin. Similarly, decongestants, antihistamines for allergies, or cold medicine can ease earaches.
When clinicians diagnose children’s earaches as ear infections, they will also advise you on the best course of treatment. The use of antibiotics depends on the child’s age, the severity of the infection and how often they get ear infections. If antibiotics are prescribed, the patient’s pain usually starts to subside within about 24 hours of starting the medication.
Physicians prescribe antibiotics to babies under 6 months because their immune systems aren’t fully developed. Many doctors recommend waiting, observing, and treating pain with over-the-counter medication when children are over 6 months, especially when the ear infection isn’t severe. If symptoms do not improve in two to three days, then they might prescribe antibiotics.
With adults, as with children, antibiotics are often used to clear up ear infections (or other infections) that cause earache. The course of treatment and specific drugs will depend on each person’s unique case and medical history. Whatever the course of medication is prescribed, finish the entire course of medication. Do not stop because the pain has subsided, your physician wants to make sure that the cause is completely eliminated from your system.
When other issues lead to earache, the remedies are determined by the cause. For a tooth-related issue that’s causing ear pain, your dentist might need to fill a cavity or do a root canal. TMJ disorders or bruxism, or teeth grinding, might require longer-term solutions that help you correct the habit or anatomical issue.
The range of possible treatments makes it important to see a doctor if your earache persists for more than a few days. Without a professional diagnosis, it’s hard to determine the most effective earache remedy.
To stop an earache quickly at home, you can try the following remedies:
Ear pain can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but several natural remedies may provide relief. Many of these treatments help reduce inflammation, soothe discomfort, and, in some cases, address minor infections. While home remedies can be effective for mild earaches, it’s important to seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
A holistic treatment focuses on healing the whole person rather than just the symptoms. It considers physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors and often combines natural remedies, diet, stress management, and traditional medicine.
Holistic treatment for earache:
Antibiotics may be prescribed for earaches if the pain is caused by a bacterial infection, such as an outer ear infection (otitis externa) or a middle ear infection (otitis media). However, antibiotics are not effective for earaches caused by viral infections or other non-bacterial causes. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. If a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics can help relieve the symptoms and prevent complications.
Ear drops can provide effective relief for earaches, depending on the underlying cause. There are different types available, including natural, homeopathic, over-the-counter (OTC), and specialized formulas for infants. Understanding their ingredients and benefits can help in choosing the right option.
Ear infections can cause sharp pain, pressure, and even temporary hearing loss. To relieve the pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide temporary relief. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can also help soothe the discomfort. If the pain is caused by fluid buildup, using ear drops designed to dry up the fluid may be beneficial. In some cases, an ear infection may require antibiotics, especially if caused by bacteria. If symptoms worsen or don't improve within a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Swimming can sometimes lead to ear pain, especially if water becomes trapped in the ear canal, causing irritation or infection. To relieve ear pain after swimming, tilt your head to the side and gently tug on your earlobe to help the water drain out. You can also use ear drops designed to dry excess water in the ear. If the pain is due to swimmer’s ear (outer ear canal infection), over-the-counter ear drops containing antibiotics or antifungals may help. Additionally, applying a warm compress to the ear can help soothe the pain. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional for advice.
When a cold causes an earache, it’s often due to congestion blocking the Eustachian tubes, creating pressure and discomfort. Steam inhalation, saline nasal sprays, and decongestants can help open the passages and relieve pressure. Drinking warm fluids and using a warm compress on the affected ear can also provide relief.
Jaw and ear pain can be caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, teeth grinding, or infections. Applying warm compresses, massaging the jaw, and avoiding hard foods can help. In some cases, wearing a night guard for teeth grinding or practicing relaxation exercises can provide long-term relief.
Acid reflux can cause irritation in the throat and Eustachian tubes, leading to ear pain. Managing reflux with dietary changes, such as avoiding acidic and spicy foods, can help. Sleeping with the head elevated and taking antacids or proton pump inhibitors may also reduce symptoms. Gargling with warm salt water can soothe throat irritation, indirectly easing ear discomfort.
The key factor in when to see a doctor for an earache is how long it has lasted. If it’s been more than two or three days with no improvement, it’s time to go in for an exam. Other signs that you should visit a doctor are:
It might sound strange, but if severe pain suddenly stops, that might signal a ruptured eardrum from an ear infection. And if new symptoms emerge, like dizziness, headache, weakness in facial muscles, or swelling around the ear, go see your physician as soon as possible.
A nagging earache can be a sign that you have an underlying medical condition that needs treatment. And in children, repeat or stubborn ear infections can affect their hearing over the long term. So, when in doubt, get it checked.
The duration of an earache depends on its cause. Minor ear pain from congestion or pressure changes may resolve within a few hours to a couple of days.
Ear infections typically last 3–7 days, while chronic issues like TMJ disorders or Eustachian tube dysfunction can persist for weeks. If ear pain lasts more than a few days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever or drainage, seek medical attention.
Chiropractors can offer treatment for ear pain caused by poor drainage, although their approach focuses primarily on the musculoskeletal system. When the ear is unable to drain properly, it can lead to a buildup of pressure, discomfort, and even infections. Chiropractors may use specific techniques, such as gentle adjustments, to help improve overall alignment, which could potentially enhance fluid drainage and relieve ear pressure.
While chiropractic care isn't a direct solution for conditions like ear infections or fluid buildup, some individuals report relief from ear pain after chiropractic adjustments, especially if the pain is related to tension in the neck, jaw, or surrounding muscles. However, if the ear pain is caused by an underlying medical issue, such as an infection or a structural problem, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment.
