For mild earache, what works is placing a warm or cold compress on the outside of the ear for 10 to 15 minutes, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the leaflet and resting with your head raised. What doesn’t work, or can make things worse: cotton buds, alcohol, vinegar, garlic, essential oils or hydrogen peroxide if there is an infection. If the pain lasts more than 48 hours or there is fever, discharge or hearing loss, see a doctor.
Main causes of earache
Knowing the cause helps you decide whether a home remedy is enough. The most common are:
- Infections: middle ear infection (behind the eardrum) and outer ear infection (in the ear canal) are the most common cause, especially in children. Read more about ear infections.
- Earwax or pressure changes: flying, diving or too much wax can leave the ear feeling blocked and sore.
- Irritation or injury: cotton buds or any object can damage the skin of the ear canal.
- Referred pain: the throat, teeth or jaw (for example, clenching your teeth at night) can send pain to the ear.
Which home remedies work and which don’t
| Remedy | Does it work? | When to use it | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warm or cold compress (10–15 min) | Yes, it relieves pain | Mild pain, with or without a cold | Low. Never too hot |
| Paracetamol or ibuprofen | Yes | Mild or moderate pain | Low if you follow the dose. For children, dose by weight and check with the paediatrician |
| Sleeping with your head raised | Helps | Pain at night or with congestion | None |
| Chewing gum, swallowing or yawning | Helps | Pain from pressure changes (flying) | None |
| Steam or nasal rinses | May help | Pain with a cold or blocked nose | Burns if the water is too hot |
| Warm olive oil | Little evidence | Only dryness or itching, no infection | Do not use with discharge or a perforated eardrum |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Not for pain | Only to soften wax, if a professional advises it | Irritating. Dangerous with an infection or perforation |
| Garlic, onion or essential oils | No | Never | Irritation, burns and infection |
| Cotton buds, alcohol or vinegar | No | Never | Damage to the ear canal and eardrum |
| Ear candles or cones | No | Never | Burns and wax residue in the ear |
When NOT to use home remedies and see a doctor
Stop using home remedies and book an appointment if you notice any of these signs:
- A fever of 38 °C or higher.
- Discharge, pus or blood from the ear.
- Hearing loss, ringing or dizziness.
- Severe pain, or pain lasting more than 48 hours (24–48 hours in children).
- Swelling or redness behind the ear.
- Pain after a blow, a very loud noise or if an object has gone into the ear.
- Babies under 6 months: always see the paediatrician.
Watch out: if very strong pain suddenly stops and fluid starts to come out, the eardrum may have perforated. Do not put anything in the ear and get it checked.
Learn more about ear infections or book your free hearing check.
Professional treatment
If the pain keeps coming back or does not improve, the doctor or ENT specialist will treat the cause: for example, antibiotic drops for an outer ear infection or oral antibiotics for some middle ear infections. Home remedies only ease the pain in the meantime.
At Clinicaudio we check whether the problem is affecting your hearing with a hearing test (audiometry) and point you to the right specialist.
Tips to prevent earache
- Do not put cotton buds or objects in your ear.
- Treat colds properly: nasal rinses help the ear drain.
- Protect your ears from loud noise and cold.
- Have regular hearing checks.
Frequently asked questions about earache
How can I get rid of earache quickly at home?
Place a warm or cold compress on the ear for 10–15 minutes and take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the leaflet. If it does not improve within 48 hours, see a doctor.
What should I do if my child’s ear hurts?
Use a warm compress, keep their head slightly raised and give a painkiller at the dose for their weight. Take them to the paediatrician if they have a fever, discharge, are under 6 months old or the pain lasts more than 24–48 hours.
Why does earache get worse at night?
When you lie down, pressure and congestion in the middle ear increase. Sleeping with your head raised and taking a painkiller before bed usually helps.
Why does my ear hurt when I have a cold?
Mucus can block the Eustachian tube and fluid can build up behind the eardrum. Steam, nasal rinses and a warm compress help. If there is fever or discharge, it may be an ear infection.
Does hydrogen peroxide help earache?
No. It only softens wax and can irritate the ear canal. It must not be used with an ear infection or a perforated eardrum.
Is olive oil good for earache?
It can ease dryness or itching, but it does not treat an infection. Do not use it if there is discharge or a possible perforation.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen for earache?
Both relieve pain. Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation. Always follow the leaflet and check first for children or if you take other medication.
When should I see a doctor about earache?
If there is fever, discharge, hearing loss, dizziness, severe pain or if it does not improve within 48 hours.
Do you often have earache?
Home remedies such as a warm compress, a painkiller or sleeping with your head raised ease mild pain, but they don’t replace treatment when the problem persists or keeps coming back.
If you notice you hear less or the pain comes back, book your free hearing check at Clinicaudio or visit one of our centres.
