Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Best Earache Cures?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

The best earache cures depend largely on the root cause of the earache. There are a number of different reasons that an individual develops an earache, and in some cases the best treatment can be as simple as the administration of over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. In other cases, the application of a warm cloth over the ear can help alleviate pain, while more severe earaches may require the administration of prescription ear drops.

For children, the most common cause of an earache is fluid in the ear that causes pressure on the structures in the middle ear. In these cases, a warm compress can be applied to the ear in order to relieve pain from the pressure, and the administration of a few drops of olive oil into the ear canal can also help. Putting the olive oil into the ear in which there is pain and getting the child to remain still with that side elevated for several minutes will allow the oil to work into the ear. In older children and even adults with earaches caused by a buildup of fluid, this can also be one of the painless earache cures.

Ear pain is often a symptom of an earache.
Ear pain is often a symptom of an earache.

Swimmer's ear occurs when the outer ear can becomes inflamed and painful or infected; the condition gets its name because it commonly occurs when water gets into the ear. This can present symptoms such as changes in hearing and itching inside the ear. Swimmer's ear earache cures can include the administration of antibiotics if an infection has traveled past the outer ear as well as the application of ear drops. Vinegar ear drops or those that include antibiotics are typically available over-the-counter.

A few drops of warmed olive oil can provide relief to earache sufferers.
A few drops of warmed olive oil can provide relief to earache sufferers.

Several over-the-counter medications can also help in relieving the pain of an earache. Pain relievers that include the generic pseudoephedrine can help with earaches that are caused by pressure inside the ear. When there has been damage to the ear, such as scratching of the ear canal, or there is a buildup of fluid, medications including ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen can help relieve inflammation of the ear and reduce pain.

Ibuprofen can reduce the pain and swelling of an earache.
Ibuprofen can reduce the pain and swelling of an earache.

Sometimes, the best earache cures come from a medical professional. When the earache is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, discharge or discoloration of the ear, a medical professional should be consulted. An at-home treatment may not be the best choice of earache cures in these situations, and prescription medication may be required.

Discussion Comments

fify

If anyone is experiencing earache after a cold or other type of infection, then don't waste your time with cures and see your doctor! Aching is an ear infection symptom and it means it's serious!

I was having severe earaches after an upper respiratory infection. It turned out that the bacteria had migrated from my throat to my ear. I had to take antibiotics.

My doctor said that my eardrum was in bad shape and if I had waited longer to get treatment, my hearing could have been affected! There is no fooling around when it comes to earaches!

bluedolphin

@ZipLine-- Sweet oil is olive oil, it's just an alternative name.

Olive oil does help with earaches, especially when it's caused by wax buildup. The oil helps dislodge the wax so that it can come out on its own.Some other oils such as almond oil will work as well.

Also, if you have water stuck in your ear due to swimming, you can get it out by sleeping sideways with that ear looking down. The water will be out by morning!

ZipLine

My grandmother said that when she and her siblings had earaches as children, my great-grandmother would put sweet oil in their ears.

What's sweet oil?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Ear pain is often a symptom of an earache.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Ear pain is often a symptom of an earache.
    • A few drops of warmed olive oil can provide relief to earache sufferers.
      By: margo555
      A few drops of warmed olive oil can provide relief to earache sufferers.
    • Ibuprofen can reduce the pain and swelling of an earache.
      By: Geo Martinez
      Ibuprofen can reduce the pain and swelling of an earache.
    • Pseudoephedrine can relieve ear aches by reducing pressure in the ear canal.
      By: Arvind Balaraman
      Pseudoephedrine can relieve ear aches by reducing pressure in the ear canal.
    • An earache may be the result of an ear infection.
      By: Tatyana Gladskih
      An earache may be the result of an ear infection.