Natural Remedies for Earache: What Helps and What to Avoid

Quick answer

Warm or cold compress, upright sleep and pain relief help; avoid putting things in the ear

Earache in adults and children is often caused by middle ear infections (otitis media), outer ear infections (otitis externa), colds and sinus congestion, earwax, or pain referred from the jaw, teeth or throat. The NHS says many ear infections clear up within three days, sometimes up to a week, without antibiotics. Helpful home care includes regular paracetamol or ibuprofen at the right dose, a warm or cold compress on the outer ear, resting with the head raised, chewing or yawning for pressure, and rest and fluids. Oils, garlic, onion, hydrogen peroxide or essential oils should not be put in the ear without advice, especially if the eardrum might be perforated. Ear candles are ineffective and can cause burns.

Important. See a doctor urgently for earache with high fever, swelling or redness behind the ear, the ear sticking out, severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, facial weakness, sudden hearing loss, dizziness or discharge. Babies under three months with fever need urgent care. See a doctor if earache lasts more than three days.

Common causes of earache

Middle ear infection (otitis media), common in children after colds.
Outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear), with pain on pulling the ear; see swimmer’s ear.
Eustachian tube dysfunction from colds, allergies or flying.
Earwax build-up.
Referred pain from teeth, jaw (TMJ), tonsils or throat.
Injury to the ear canal or eardrum.

Safe home remedies

Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct dose for age and weight are the most effective first steps.
Warm compress: a warm (not hot) flannel held against the outer ear for 10–20 minutes.
Cold compress: some people prefer a cold pack wrapped in cloth.
Sleep with the head raised on an extra pillow, or on the side of the unaffected ear.
Chewing, swallowing or yawning to help open the Eustachian tube.
Rest and fluids during colds and infections.
Steam inhalation or saline sprays for nasal congestion.

Remedies to avoid

Olive oil or “sweet oil”: may soften earwax but does not treat infections; never use it if the eardrum could be perforated or there is discharge.
Garlic or onion in the ear: unproven and may irritate or cause infection.
Essential oils such as tea tree in the ear: can irritate and are not proven for ear infections.
Hydrogen peroxide for infections: not recommended; see hydrogen peroxide in the ear.
Ear candles: do not remove wax, can cause burns and blockages.
Cotton buds: push wax deeper and can injure the ear.

What about ear drops?

Painkilling ear drops containing a local anaesthetic are available in some countries. A Cochrane review of topical analgesia for acute otitis media found limited evidence that such drops may relieve pain 10 to 30 minutes after use, from small trials. NICE guidance on acute otitis media advises regular paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain, and notes that some anaesthetic and analgesic ear drops may be considered if the eardrum is intact. Drops should not be used if there is discharge or a possible perforation.

Do you need antibiotics?

Most middle ear infections are caused by viruses or clear without antibiotics. NICE recommends that most children and adults do not need antibiotics, although a doctor may prescribe them for very young children, for infections in both ears in children under two, when there is discharge from the ear, if the person is very unwell, or if there is a higher risk of complications. Outer ear infections are usually treated with antibiotic or steroid ear drops.

Earache in children

Young children may pull or rub their ear, be irritable, have trouble sleeping, or have a fever. Give age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen, offer fluids and comfort, and keep them upright when possible. Babies under three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher need urgent medical attention. Our guide to ear infections in babies has more detail.

Earache from flying or pressure changes

Swallow, yawn or chew gum during take-off and landing.
Try the Valsalva manoeuvre: pinch the nose and gently blow with the mouth closed.
Give babies a feed or dummy during descent.
Use decongestant nasal sprays before flying only if a pharmacist advises.
Avoid flying with a heavy cold if possible.

How long does earache last?

Earache from a middle ear infection usually improves within three days and resolves within a week. Pressure-related ear pain often settles within hours or days. Pain that persists, worsens or keeps returning should be checked, as should earache that is not clearly linked to a cold, because it may be referred from the throat, teeth or jaw.

Three common situations

Toddler with earache after a cold: regular pain relief, fluids and rest; see a doctor if fever is high or symptoms persist beyond three days.
Adult with ear pain when pulling the earlobe after swimming: likely outer ear infection; see a pharmacist or doctor for drops.
Recurrent ear pain without a cold: check for jaw, dental or throat causes.

Reducing the risk of ear infections

Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, which increases ear infections in children.
Keep up to date with childhood vaccinations.
Avoid giving babies a bottle while lying flat.
Treat nasal congestion and allergies.
Keep ears dry after swimming, and avoid poking objects into the ear canal.
Wash hands regularly to reduce colds.

Key points to remember

Many earaches improve on their own within a few days.
Pain relief and warm compresses help most.
Avoid putting oils, garlic or peroxide in the ear without advice.
See a doctor for warning signs or pain lasting more than three days.

Questions about earache remedies

These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.

What is the fastest way to relieve earache?

Paracetamol or ibuprofen at the correct dose, along with a warm compress, usually provide the quickest relief.

Does sweet oil help ear infections?

There is no good evidence that it treats infections. Do not use it if the eardrum may be perforated.

Should I sleep on the painful ear?

Most people find it more comfortable to sleep with the affected ear facing up and the head raised.

Can earache go away on its own?

Yes. Many ear infections clear within three days to a week.

When should I worry about earache?

If there is high fever, swelling behind the ear, severe headache, facial weakness, sudden hearing loss or symptoms beyond three days.

Sources

This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.