۸ Effective Earache Remedies

Not all ear infections are bacterial or need prescription medication. You may be able to relieve ear pain with home remedies or over-the-counter medications.
Earaches can be debilitating, but they don’t always warrant antibiotics. Prescribing guidelines for ear infections have changed in the last five years. Your child might not even be prescribed antibiotics.

In fact, you could find all the relief you need in your home with treatments such as:
• over-the-counter pain relievers
• cold or warm compresses
• olive oil
• neck exercises
• ginger
• garlic
• hydrogen peroxide

Here are 8 home remedies and over-the-counter treatments for earaches.
What makes earache pain go away?
The following 10 remedies may help you relieve your pain. That said, treatment can depend on the cause, so you may want to see your doctor first.

۱. Over-the-counter pain relievers
You can useTrusted Source over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen to control pain associated with a painful type of ear infection called acute otitis media (AOM).
2. Cold or warm compresses
People often use ice packs or warm compresses, like a heating pad or damp washcloth, to relieve pain. The same can be done for ear pain. This method is safe for both children and adults.
Place the ice pack or warm compress over the ear and alternate between warm and cold after 10 minutes. If you prefer either cold or warm, you can use just one compress.

۳. Olive oil
Olive oil has someTrusted Source antibacterial properties, though there’s no solid scientific evidence to prove that drops of olive oil in your ear canal can soothe ear pain. That said, putting a few warmed drops of olive oil in the ear is safe and may be worth a try.
4. Naturopathic drops
Naturopathic ear drops are made from herbal extracts. They can be found online and in some drug stores.
5. Sleep without putting pressure on the ear
Some sleep positions will aggravate pain from ear infections, while some can help relieve it. Sleep with the affected ear raised instead of having it faced down toward the pillow.

۶. Ginger
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can helpTrusted Source soothe pain from earaches. Apply ginger juice or strained oil that was warmed with ginger in it around the outer ear canal. Do not put it directly into the ear.
7. Garlic
Garlic has both antibiotic and pain-relieving properties. Soak crushed garlic for several minutes in warm olive or sesame oil. Strain the garlic out and apply the oil to the ear canal.

۸. Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used as a natural remedy for earaches, particularlyTrusted Source if the cause is wax buildup. To use this method of treatment, place several drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear. Let it sit for several minutes before letting it drain into a sink. Rinse your ear with clean, distilled water.