15 home remedies for earache

Ear pain is a frequent symptom of ear infections. Ear infections are common childhood illnesses, but they can also occur in adulthood. Ear pain isn’t always caused by infection, though, and it may be specific to certain parts of the ear. Depending on the cause, home remedies like pain relievers and hot or cold compresses may provide fast relief from ear pain. If symptoms persist or if ear pain is severe, see a healthcare provider to diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.

Common causes of ear pain

Ear pain (otalgia) occurs in two forms: Primary otalgia and secondary otalgia. Primary otalgia is ear pain that originates directly from the ear, while secondary otalgia has other underlying causes outside the ear. Generally, adults tend to have secondary otalgia, while children commonly experience primary otalgia.

Primary otalgia is most often caused by an infection of the middle ear, known as otitis media, or the outer ear, known as otitis externa. Otitis media occurs when the eustachian tube is blocked, and fluids cannot be drained from the middle ear. When the fluid builds up and bacteria or a virus infects it, it causes earache. Otitis externa, also called swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the outer ear canal caused when the external ear canal is wet and then infected by bacteria or fungi found in swimming pools, lakes, and rivers.

A buildup of earwax can also be a cause of ear pain. Earwax protects the ear canal from germs, bacteria, and other external hazards. But, when it builds up to the extent of blocking the ear canal, it can cause infection with symptoms that include earaches.

Secondary causes of ear pain (secondary otalgia) include the following: 

• Arthritis of the jaw
• Toothaches
• Sinus infection
• Sore throat
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) infection 
• Cervical spine disease
• Mechanical disorders of the neck and jaw
• Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Chest pain
• Lung disease

15 home remedies for ear pain relief

Depending on the cause of your ear pain, the following home remedies may help minimize discomfort.

1. Over-the-counter pain relievers

Looking for fast relief for ear pain? Consider taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which are generally safe for both adults and children. Follow the dosage as directed on the label or as recommended by a pharmacist. Avoid providing aspirin to children and teenagers unless recommended by a healthcare provider, as it can cause a severe condition known as Reye’s syndrome—a disease associated with liver and brain swelling.

2. Watchful waiting

When a healthcare provider cannot make a definite diagnosis, particularly in kids between the ages of 6 months and 2 years with mild symptoms, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends watching and observing to see if the symptoms improve on their own. Watchful waiting allows the immune system to fight the infection. If earaches do not improve within two to three days or worsen at any time, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. 

3. Heat

According to Cleveland Clinic, a change of temperature can provide temporary ear pain relief. You can make a warm compress by soaking a towel in warm water, squeezing out any excess water, and folding the towel into a square. Place the towel on the sore ear for about 10–20 minutes to reduce pain. 

A heating pad also works, but be mindful to use it for no more than 20 minutes at a time, wrap a thin towel around it, and use it on its lowest setting to avoid burning your ear. 

4. Cold compress

Alternatively, you can apply an ice pack or a cold compress wrapped in a towel to your ear for 20 minutes at a time to relieve pain. Although warm and cold compresses may temporarily relieve pain, they won’t clear any infections causing it.

5. Decongestant nose drops or nasal sprays

Nose drops and nasal sprays open up the airways leading to the middle ear and also reduce swelling of the mucous membranes. Keep in mind that they should only be used for a few days and at recommended doses because long-term use and high doses destroy the lining of the nose.

6. Eardrops

OTC eardrops containing a combination of drugs, phenazone, and procaine, can also relieve symptoms of ear pain. However, they should not be used if the eardrum is ruptured. The only way to confirm if an eardrum is ruptured is to be seen by a medical provider and have an ear exam performed

According to a study published in 2003, naturopathic herbal extract ear drops containing allium sativum, erbascum thapsus, calendula flores, hypericum perfoliatum, lavender, and vitamin E in olive oil may help alleviate ear pain in children with acute otitis media.

7. Onion wraps

Some people believe that onions can cure ear infections. Generally, the idea is to cut the onion in half, cover it with foil, and heat it in an oven until it softens. Wrap the heated onion in a thin cloth, allow it to cool, and place it on the affected ear. When the onion wrap turns cold, remove it from the ear. This method is believed to dissolve built-up earwax, which may cause or contribute to ear pain. 

Even though there is a lack of scientific evidence to support the use of this natural remedy, onion is known to have anti-inflammatory properties due to one of its major components known as quercetin. Hence, it may play a role in reducing ear pain and inflammation.

8. Ginger

Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties. According to Cleveland Clinic, applying ginger juice around the outer ear canal (not in the ear canal) may be effective for relieving symptoms of ear pain. Some people also use garlic oil to treat middle ear infections; however, there is no scientific evidence to support its safety.

9. Olive oil

More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of olive oil for ear pain, but spraying olive oil into the ear canal can thin the earwax, which can relieve any pain associated with buildup in the ear. When the earwax has thinned, it may come out of the ear by itself, eliminating the need to use cotton swabs, which can actually push the earwax further into the ear canal. 

10. Chiropractic treatment

Ear pain can be caused by disorders of the musculoskeletal system—for example, temporomandibular disorder. In such cases, chiropractic treatment or osteopathic manual therapy may be an effective treatment option.

In cases of ear pain with unknown causes, especially after the otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) has determined that the cause is not from either the ear or throat, they may refer a patient for chiropractic consultation. Available evidence shows several positive reports of patients with ear pain who used a combination of manual therapy and exercise to resolve their symptoms. However, the mechanism of how chiropractic resolves ear pain remains unclear.

11. Alcohol and vinegar

A mixture of alcohol and vinegar can help treat swimmer’s ear. Make a solution consisting of one-half vinegar and one-half alcohol, and add a few drops in each ear. The alcohol causes the water in the ear to evaporate, while the vinegar inhibits bacteria growth. This is best for individuals who experience recurrent swimmer’s ear infections. 

12. Blow-drying the ear

One way to prevent repeat infection is by keeping the ear clean and dry. Mayo Clinic recommends that individuals with recurrent swimmer’s ear hold a blow dryer at least 1 foot from their ear, with the blow dryer on the lowest setting to remove all traces of moisture.

13. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an ingredient in OTC ear drops because it helps thin earwax. To use this home remedy:

• Tilt your ear to the side, and add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.
• Leave it in that same position for at least one minute.
• Next, tilt your head in the opposite direction to allow the fluid and earwax to come out. 
• Repeat this daily until the earwax is thin enough to come out by itself.

14. Salt water

To use this natural remedy for ear pain, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in half a cup of warm water. Tilt one ear upward, and use a cotton swab to dab a few drops of the solution around your ear while allowing it to drip inside your ear canal. Wait about one minute before tilting your ear back down and letting the salt water drain from your ear. 

15. Sleep upright

If you have ear pain, it may help to sleep in an upright position, resting the head on additional pillows. This keeps the affected ear above the rest of the body and equally reduces the pain and pressure felt. Or, if one ear is sore, sleep on the opposite side.

When to see a doctor for ear pain

Although home remedies may help ease ear pain or even cure it, persistent earache lasting more than three days or ear pain that is worsening is suggestive of a secondary cause. Thus, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and urgent treatment to rule out secondary causes of ear pain, such as an infection or underlying disease. Seek medical care if the recommended home remedies do not provide symptom relief or if a high fever accompanies the ear pain.