How to Stop an Earache: 5 Remedies You Can Try at Home

Is an earache keeping you awake at night, or is your little one pulling on their ear? We’ve all experienced an earache or ear infection at one time or another, and while they can be bothersome and unpleasant, there are things you can do at home to help ease the discomfort.

What causes an earache?

Earaches are often caused by infections or inflammation in different parts of the ear. Common causes include:

Otitis externa: Also known as "swimmer's ear," this is an infection of the outer ear canal.
Otitis media: An infection of the middle ear, located behind the eardrum.
Ear wax impaction: A buildup of wax that blocks the ear canal.
Eustachian tube dysfunction: A feeling of fullness or muffled hearing caused by blockages in the tube connecting the ear to the throat.
Temporomandibular joint inflammation: Inflammation of the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint and surrounding muscles) can radiate pain to the ear.

There are also many causes of ear pain not caused by the ear itself, which may include the salivary gland, tongue, tonsils, teeth or laryngeal issues. You may need to see an ear, nose and throat specialist to determine if your ear is the source of the problem. If ear pain is accompanied by hearing loss, you should see your doctor right away.

How to treat ear pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve pain and fever. These medications can be used by both kids and adults. It’s important to note that not all over-the-counter medications are safe for children, especially babies. Be sure that the appropriate dosage is given for their age.

Ear drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help when used properly, particularly for swimmer’s ear (otitis externa). Caution should be taken in patients who have a previous history of ear infections, ear tubes or ear surgeries.

Fluid-drying drops help remove excess moisture that promotes bacterial growth, but they are not appropriate to use for people who have ear tubes. They also shouldn’t be used if there is fluid coming from your ear or if your eardrum is ruptured. Before using eardrops for you or your child, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure they’re safe.

Warm compress: Heat can help in reducing pain or throbbing from an earache. Soak a washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess water and then hold it against your ear as a warm compress for up to 20 minutes. If this helps in easing the pain, you can reapply the compress throughout the day. You can also use a heating pad but do so on a low setting and always supervise a child who is using one to prevent burns. Hot compresses can also be alternated with cold compresses.

Hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide can help clean the ear and relieve mild pain.

How to do it:

Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear.
Let it sit for a few minutes; you will feel and hear a bubbling sensation within your ear.
Tilt your head over a sink to let the fluid drain out.

It’s important not to use too much hydrogen peroxide or repeat the procedure too frequently, as it can cause irritation or inflammation.

Rest: Rest boosts your immune system and helps your body fight off infection and other sickness. It’s best not to sleep on the infected ear – and not just because it’s uncomfortable. Instead, sleep on the opposite side or use extra pillows to elevate your head. This position helps fluid drain from the ear and reduces pressure.

When should I see a doctor for ear pain?

If you have a fever of 102.2 or higher, pus or fluid draining from your ear, hearing loss or worsening symptoms, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. It is always best for adults to seek the care of an ENT for ear-related issues, as they have the most expertise in evaluating the causes of ear pain and managing those issues. Pediatricians can handle ear related issues for children.

Is it safe to use cotton swabs to clean an infected ear?

No, you should never insert cotton swabs into the ear canal, as this can push infected fluid deeper, cause damage and worsen the pain.

While mild earaches often resolve without antibiotics and can be handled with these home remedies, you should see your doctor if you’re experiencing severe symptoms. An Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist is the best provider to diagnose the root cause.

If you or your child has frequent ear infections or chronic earaches, usually four within a year, ask your doctor if ear tubes might be a good option.

If your ears are feeling wet, a hairdryer set on a cool setting is a good option for drying the ear.

Learn more about ear, nose and throat care at Ochsner.

What is the difference between middle ear infection versus swimmer's ear?

While both conditions cause discomfort, middle ear infections and swimmer's ear affect different parts of the ear and often require different treatments. Use this guide to help identify which condition might be affecting you or your child.

Feature	Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)	Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
Location of Pain	Deep inside the ear. Pain is often throbbing or constant.	Outer ear and ear canal. Pain usually worsens when you pull on the earlobe or push on the small flap (tragus) covering the ear opening.
Hearing Changes	Hearing is often muffled due to fluid buildup behind the eardrum.	Hearing may be slightly muffled if the ear canal is swollen shut or blocked by discharge.
Visible Signs	Usually nonvisible from the outside, though the child may pull at their ear. A doctor can see a red, bulging eardrum.	The ear canal may look red or swollen. You might see redness on the outer ear itself.
Discharge	Rare unless the eardrum has ruptured. If it does, fluid is usually pus-like or bloody.	Common. Discharge is often clear, milky, or yellowish.
Fever	Common, especially in young children. Can be high.	Rare. If present, it is usually mild.
Trigger	Often follows a cold, flu, or respiratory infection.	Often follows exposure to water (swimming) or trauma to the ear canal (like using cotton swabs).
Pain Level	Can be severe and interfere with sleep. Lying down often makes it worse.	Can be intense, especially when the ear is touched or moved. Chewing might be painful.

This table is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Do People Get Ear Infections?

An ear infection occurs when there is a bacterial or viral infection or chronic inflammatory process, causing inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle of the ear.