How to Get Rid of an Ear Ache

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Earaches can range from mildly annoying to incredibly painful. Luckily, most of them aren’t caused by anything serious, and you can usually treat them at home. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best ways to get relief—and help you decide whether it’s time to get help from your doctor.

1

Use home remedies to manage mild symptoms.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-1-Version-6.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-1-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have mild ear pain, the mostly likely cause is a viral or bacterial infection. In many cases, these kinds of earaches heal on their own, with no need for medical treatment. Wait 1-2 days to see if you start to feel better. While you’re waiting, focus on treating the symptoms with remedies like hot or cold compresses and OTC pain medications. [1]
    • If you have a baby under 6 months of age and you suspect they have an earache, call your pediatrician right away. Ear infections can be more serious in young babies. [2]
    • Some types of ear infection, such as swimmer’s ear or a severe middle or inner ear infection, might require treatment with antibiotics to clear up. If you have severe ear pain, or if it lasts longer than 2 days, get your ear evaluated by a doctor to determine the right treatment.
    2. Advertisement
2

Soothe pain with a hot or cold compress.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-2-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-2-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-2-Version-7.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-2-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Both cold and heat can be soothing for this kind of pain, so it’s a matter of personal preference which one you use. Wrap an ice pack or a hot compress (such as a hot water bottle or heating pad) in a thin towel or cloth and gently hold it against your ear. Don’t put it directly against your skin, since it could cause burns or frostbite. [3]
    • If you use an electric heating pad, set it on low. Don’t use a heating pad on a child’s ear. [4]
    • With a warm compress, you might feel earwax trickle out of your ear. It’s normal for the wax to melt when you expose it to heat.
    • Don’t use ice or heat on your skin for longer than 20 minutes at a time. [5]
3

Take an over-the-counter painkiller.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle, or ask your doctor for advice. [6]
    • Don’t give any painkillers containing aspirin to a child or a teenager. These medications can cause a rare, potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in kids. [7]
    2. Advertisement
4

Sleep with your ear elevated.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some people find that elevating their ear helps reduce painful pressure. [8] Experiment with different positions to see if any of them bring relief.
    • Don't use a pillow to prop up a baby's head. If your child is under 2 and has an earache, try holding them propped upright in your lap or arms until they calm down. [9]
5

Try decongestants if your doctor says it’s ok.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you think your earache is related to a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, give your doctor a call. Ask if a decongestant might help. They can recommend one that will be safe and effective for you or your child. [10]
    • Avoid using decongestants that contain antihistamines unless your doctor specifically recommends them. Antihistamines can sometimes make an ear blockage worse.
    2. Advertisement
6

Avoid ear drops unless your doctor recommends them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-6-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-6-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can buy over-the-counter numbing drops, but some people find them more painful than soothing. [11] Additionally, any kind of drops can cause more damage if your eardrum is ruptured or torn. [12] Ask your doctor for advice before putting anything in your ears or your child’s.
    • Steer clear of home remedies, like putting garlic or olive oil in your ear. These treatments probably won’t help with an ear infection, and they could make any damage to your eardrum worse.
7

Don’t put cotton swabs in your ear.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hold off on trying to clean your ears or your child’s ears until you’ve seen the doctor or the symptoms have improved. Don’t try to rinse the ear, either—fluid in the ear could make the problem worse. [13]
    • If you suspect the earache is being caused by a buildup of earwax or some other kind of blockage, see your doctor. They can safely remove the blockage for you. [14]
    2. Advertisement
8

See your doctor if you’re not better in 2-3 days.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f3\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Ear pain that doesn’t go away in a couple of days might signal a serious infection or some other issue. Your doctor will examine your ear and ask you questions about your symptoms to determine what’s wrong. [15]
    • Ear infections are the most common cause of earaches, but there can be other causes as well. For instance, your pain might be due to an injury in your ear canal, swimmer’s ear, an earwax blockage, or referred pain from a problem in your jaw or throat. [16]
    • Depending on what’s causing your earache, your doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics, eardrops, or some other type of medication.
    • If you think your baby or child has an earache, call their doctor for advice right away. Depending on your child’s age and their symptoms, they might advise you to try home treatments or ask you to come in for a checkup. [17]
9

Get medical attention for severe symptoms.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-9-Version-5.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-9-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Earaches are usually not caused by anything serious, but they can sometimes be a symptom of a more severe infection or injury to the ear. Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any worrisome or severe symptoms along with ear pain. You should also get medical help for an earache with a high fever, a stiff neck, or hearing loss, or if you see anything stuck in the ear. [18]
    • If you are caring for someone with an earache and they are very weak or unable to move, call emergency services or take them to the emergency room immediately. [19] They may have a more serious underlying condition, such as meningitis due to a pneumococcal infection. [20]
    2. Advertisement
10

Take antibiotics if your doctor prescribes them.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-10-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-10-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-10-Version-6.jpg\/aid200628-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-an-Ear-Ache-Step-10-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your doctor diagnoses you with an ear infection, they may prescribe oral antibiotics or antibiotic ear drops. Take the medication exactly as directed, and don’t stop before finishing the full course, even if you feel better. [21]
    • If you experience side effects, call your doctor and ask them what to do. They may be able to prescribe a different medication.
    • If you stop taking the medication too soon, your ear infection could come back or get worse.
    • Don’t take antibiotics to treat an earache unless your doctor prescribes them.

Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series

Clearing your sinuses can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have an infection. Use these expert articles to unclog your sinuses and finally get some relief.
1
Expert-Backed Tips & Remedies to Unclog Your Ears at Home
2
Clear Your Sinuses and Ears
3
Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube
4
16 Ways to Clear Nasal Congestion
5
How to Clear Your Sinuses at Home
6
Clear a Sinus Infection

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Pus is oozing out from ear lobe. What should I do?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    Pus is a sign of an infection. Please talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 7 Helpful 39
  • Question
    My brother sleeps with a fan on and the cold goes right to my left ear. Could that be the cause of my earaches every morning?
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Sarah Gehrke is a Registered Nurse and Licensed Massage Therapist in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008 and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Phoenix in 2013.
    Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
    Registered Nurse
    Expert Answer
    If your earache is in the left ear, the fan possibly could be the cause. Wind can be irritating to the ear canal and if it is persistent, you may have inflammation. If you have tried moving the fan or covering the ear without the pain subsiding, then you should see your doctor to determine what is causing the pain. Some people grind their teeth at night, causing an earache.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 44
  • Question
    Can a fever cause ear pain?
    Mitzi Scotten, MD
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Dr. Scotten is a board certified Pediatrician in Arizona. She received her MD from the University of Kansas in 1993 and completed her Pediatric residency at Kosair Children’s Hospital. Dr. Scotten was the director of the Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis clinic at the University of Kansas, was voted as a Kansas City Star “Top Doc” for 5 years, and has been selected to the National Board of Medical Examiners.
    Mitzi Scotten, MD
    Board Certified Pediatrician
    Expert Answer
    A fever alone does not cause ear pain. Ear pain comes from swelling or pressure somewhere in the ear and many times this is because of an infection. Infections can cause fever and so the association of fever and ear pain generally go together.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 56 Helpful 182
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Sometimes earaches are unavoidable, but you can reduce your risk by keeping your ears dry and avoiding irritants like tobacco smoke. Getting vaccinated against common respiratory viruses, such as the flu, will also help. [22]
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never attempt to clear your ears with ear candling, a practice that involves placing a lit candle in the ear canal in an effort to “draw out” wax and impurities. Ear candling is very unsafe and will not help your ear feel better.
        Thanks
      • Do not use eardrops if you have damaged eardrums, ear tubes, an outer ear infection, or ear drainage (such as pus or liquid). [23]
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube
      How to
      Unclog a Clogged Ear
      Expert-Backed Tips & Remedies to Unclog Your Ears at Home
      How to Drain Ear Fluid with Home, OTC, and Medical Treatment Options
      Ears Won’t Pop? How to Find Instant Relief
      How to
      Heal a Ruptured Eardrum
      How to
      Remove a Bug from Your Ear
      How to
      Make Earplugs
      How to
      Remove Fluid in Ears
      How to
      Cover Your Ear in the Shower
      How to
      Stop Ringing in Ears
      How to
      Use Ear Candles
      How to Remove an Object from Your Ear Fast (Plus When to Seek Medical Care)
      How to
      Get Rid of a Blowout the Quickest and Easiest Way
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      2. ↑ https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/te6203
      3. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      4. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh2961
      5. ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/earache/
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351622
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      9. ↑ https://www.scripps.org/news_items/6148-what-is-the-best-treatment-for-an-ear-infection-for-children
      1. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh2961
      2. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      3. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/earache
      4. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/earache
      5. ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/earache/
      6. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      7. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-home-remedies-for-an-ear-infection/
      8. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/earaches-sheet.html
      9. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/earache/
      10. ↑ https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/earache/
      11. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/pneumococcal/fact_sheet.htm
      12. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh2961
      13. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/earaches-sheet.html
      14. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/disease/swimmers_ear.html/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get rid of an ear ache, hold a heating pad or warm washcloth against your ear, which will help soothe the pain. You can also apply a few drops of warm olive oil or baby oil to your ear to alleviate your ear ache. If you feel like your ear ache is being caused by pressure in your ear, try chewing some gum or yawning, which will make your ears pop. If natural remedies aren't helping, take an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. To learn more from our Register Nurse co-author, like when to check if you need antibiotics, keep reading the article!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,471,906 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Diana Reynolds

        Jul 9, 2018

        "I have had a nasty cold followed by awful earache in my left ear where I also suffer from tinnitus; on top of that, ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement