{"id":8170,"date":"2024-11-24T17:02:16","date_gmt":"2024-11-24T17:02:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/?p=8170"},"modified":"2026-09-21T16:53:07","modified_gmt":"2026-09-21T16:53:07","slug":"home-remedies-for-earache-what-really-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/home-remedies-for-earache-what-really-works\/","title":{"rendered":"Home remedies for earache: what really works?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>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.<\/strong> What doesn&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Main causes of earache<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing the cause helps you decide whether a home remedy is enough. The most common are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Infections:<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/ear-infections\/\">ear infections<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Earwax or pressure changes:<\/strong> flying, diving or too much wax can leave the ear feeling blocked and sore.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Irritation or injury:<\/strong> cotton buds or any object can damage the skin of the ear canal.<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Referred pain:<\/strong> the throat, teeth or jaw (for example, clenching your teeth at night) can send pain to the ear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which home remedies work and which don&#8217;t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;font-size:15px\"><thead><tr style=\"background:#f2f2f2\"><th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px;text-align:left\">Remedy<\/th><th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px;text-align:left\">Does it work?<\/th><th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px;text-align:left\">When to use it<\/th><th style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px;text-align:left\">Risk<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Warm or cold compress (10\u201315 min)<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Yes, it relieves pain<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Mild pain, with or without a cold<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Low. Never too hot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Paracetamol or ibuprofen<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Yes<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Mild or moderate pain<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Low if you follow the dose. For children, dose by weight and check with the paediatrician<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Sleeping with your head raised<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Helps<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Pain at night or with congestion<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">None<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Chewing gum, swallowing or yawning<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Helps<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Pain from pressure changes (flying)<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">None<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Steam or nasal rinses<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">May help<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Pain with a cold or blocked nose<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Burns if the water is too hot<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Warm olive oil<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Little evidence<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Only dryness or itching, no infection<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Do not use with discharge or a perforated eardrum<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Hydrogen peroxide<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Not for pain<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Only to soften wax, if a professional advises it<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Irritating. Dangerous with an infection or perforation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Garlic, onion or essential oils<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">No<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Never<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Irritation, burns and infection<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Cotton buds, alcohol or vinegar<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">No<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Never<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Damage to the ear canal and eardrum<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\"><strong>Ear candles or cones<\/strong><\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">No<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Never<\/td><td style=\"border:1px solid #ddd;padding:10px\">Burns and wax residue in the ear<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#fff4ec;border-left:5px solid #e8743b;border-radius:6px;padding:20px 24px;margin:24px 0\"><h2 style=\"margin-top:0\">When NOT to use home remedies and see a doctor<\/h2><p>Stop using home remedies and book an appointment if you notice any of these signs:<\/p><ul><li>A fever of 38 \u00b0C or higher.<\/li><li>Discharge, pus or blood from the ear.<\/li><li>Hearing loss, ringing or dizziness.<\/li><li>Severe pain, or pain lasting more than 48 hours (24\u201348 hours in children).<\/li><li>Swelling or redness behind the ear.<\/li><li>Pain after a blow, a very loud noise or if an object has gone into the ear.<\/li><li>Babies under 6 months: always see the paediatrician.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Watch out:<\/strong> 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.<\/p><p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/ear-infections\/\">ear infections<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/contact\/\">book your free hearing check<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Professional treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At <strong>Clinicaudio<\/strong> we check whether the problem is affecting your hearing with a hearing test (audiometry) and point you to the right specialist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to prevent earache<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Do not put cotton buds or objects in your ear.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Treat colds properly: nasal rinses help the ear drain.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Protect your ears from loud noise and cold.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Have regular hearing checks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about earache<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">How can I get rid of earache quickly at home?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Place a warm or cold compress on the ear for 10\u201315 minutes and take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the leaflet. If it does not improve within 48 hours, see a doctor.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">What should I do if my child&#8217;s ear hurts?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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\u201348 hours.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Why does earache get worse at night?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Why does my ear hurt when I have a cold?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/ear-infections\/\">ear infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Does hydrogen peroxide help earache?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No. It only softens wax and can irritate the ear canal. It must not be used with an ear infection or a perforated eardrum.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Is olive oil good for earache?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-7\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Paracetamol or ibuprofen for earache?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Both relieve pain. Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation. Always follow the leaflet and check first for children or if you take other medication.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-8\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">When should I see a doctor about earache?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>If there is fever, discharge, hearing loss, dizziness, severe pain or if it does not improve within 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you often have earache?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Home remedies such as a warm compress, a painkiller or sleeping with your head raised ease mild pain, but they don&#8217;t replace treatment when the problem persists or keeps coming back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you notice you hear less or the pain comes back, <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/contact\/\"><strong>book your free hearing check at Clinicaudio<\/strong><\/a> or visit one of our centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/003046.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">MedlinePlus \u2013 Earache<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/ear-infections-children\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">NIDCD \u2013 Ear infections in children<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/seorl.net\/el-dolor-de-oido-u-otalgia-causas-mas-comunes-y-su-tratamiento\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">SEORL-CCC \u2013 El dolor de o\u00eddo u otalgia (Spanish)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;t work, or can make things worse: cotton buds, alcohol, vinegar, garlic, essential oils or hydrogen [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":8180,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[45,44,52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hearing-advice","category-hearing-health","category-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8170"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8172,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8170\/revisions\/8172"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}