{"id":9093,"date":"2019-07-31T06:02:24","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T06:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=9093"},"modified":"2021-05-05T13:49:42","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T13:49:42","slug":"14-effective-home-remedies-for-ear-pain-relief","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-effective-home-remedies-for-ear-pain-relief\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Effective Home Remedies for Ear Pain Relief"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Few things are as painful and frustrating as an earache. Earaches are common, and often the result of an ear infection. Bacteria cause inflammation in the ears, and the tissue presses against nerves, causing pain. The pain can range from mild to severe, and it can last for a few hours or a few days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Usually, the more severe the infection, the worse the pain.  Although infections are often the cause of pain; other things can cause ear pain as well. It\u2019s a good idea to see a doctor in case you need a prescription for antibiotics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many things you can do at home to help relieve the pain while you are waiting on the antibiotics to kick in and remove the infection from your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the most effective home remedies for ear pain relief.  You can try one or all of them. Some may work better for certain types of ear pain than others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Cold and Warm Compresses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t want to take medication or apply drops to the ears, you may be able to treat the pain with cold and warm compresses. The changes in temperatures between the two compresses can help open up any blocked tubes in the ears. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes these tubes become inflamed and can trap infection and fluid inside. They can press against nerves <\/a>in the ears and face and cause pain. You should apply the cold compress for a short time then remove it and apply the warm one. You can do this several times a day or as needed until you find some relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This method can also be used with other treatments such as ear drops and antibiotics to help remove the infection from the body so your ears can heal, and the pain will go away.  If you cannot tolerate the cold or heat, place a towel between the compress and your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Lemon Grass Tea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone is a fan of touching the infected areas on their bodies or touching someone else\u2019s if they are treating others. If you want to treat an earache but don\u2019t want to touch it, this tea can come in handy. Just drinking it will help kill the bacteria <\/a>and you never have to touch it or apply anything to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t mind touching it and have plans on applying other topical treatments but want to do more to get rid of it faster, this tea is still a good option. You can apply the treatment of your choice directly to the ear and then drink this tea with it to give your body a double dose of nutrients that will flush the infection from your system.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you buy this tea in teabag form, you can even apply the tea bag to the ear once you are finished making the tea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Steam <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many earaches are caused by a clogged Eustachian tube<\/a> or a buildup of fluid in the ear somewhere. If you can remove the pressure and allow the fluid to flow properly, the pain often goes away. This also helps get rid of infections and prevents them from occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steam is a great way to open up clogged tubes and relieve pain caused by pressure. The best way to use steam to fight ear pain is to sit in a steamy shower. Leave the door closed and turn the water on as hot as possible. The steam should fill the bathroom in no time, and you may even feel the pressure relieved quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t find success with steam the first time, try again. It can take several times before the steam completely opens up the ears and allow the fluid to escape. Some people also like to use steam machines to help treat ear pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Olive oil <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Olive oil<\/a> has antibacterial properties, and it\u2019s often used for treating infections. Many people use oil drops to help soothe an earache. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are planning to do so, you may as well use olive oil as it will not only soothe any redness and inflammation that can be causing pain but will also help get rid of the bacteria inside the ear. You can add the oil directly to the ear canal. Just use a dropper to add a few drops of olive oil to your ear. Add a cotton ball the ear to prevent the oil from leaking out. You can leave it on overnight or for several hours and then remove the cotton ball and allow any access oil to drain from the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people prefer to leave the oil in for as long as they can because it coats the ear canal and reduces any swelling or inflammation that can lead to ear pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Neck Exercises<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not all ear pain is caused by infection<\/a>. In some cases, there is just a buildup of pressure rein the ear canal or near the eardrum. The pressure can be caused by a number of things, including swimming, flying in a plane, or even temperature changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to remove the pressure is by doing neck stretches. When you stretch your neck, you can open up the Eustachian tube in the ears, which allows any fluid or pressure buildup to escape. There are no specific stretches to help relieve this pressure, and you may have to try several different stretches and angles to find some relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you are suffering from an earache, neck exercises and stretched may still help the ear drain so the infection can be removed from the body. You can do these stretches and exercises as often as you need for effective pain relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Vinegar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Vinegar <\/a>has a lot of uses. Some people use it for cooking, some use it for cleaning, and many use it for medicinal purposes. Vinegar has antibacterial properties so it can help clean out the ear canal and remove any bacteria that may be causing an infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not a good idea to put the vinegar directly in the ear, as it could cause a burning sensation. Instead, soak a cotton ball in vinegar and place it in the ear. After a few moments, remove the cotton ball and allow any liquid to drain out of the ear. You should also dry the ear thoroughly to make sure the vinegar is not left inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are having trouble drying the ear, use a hairdryer turned on the lowest setting. Be careful not to burn your ear in the process. Never hold the hairdryer directly on the ear and don\u2019t hold it too closely either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Onion Juice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Onions <\/a>are packed with vitamins and nutrients. They are also full of antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Eating onions regularly can boost your immune system and help you fight off ear infections that can cause ear pain. If you happen to be suffering from an earache, you can put a few drops of onion juice in your ear to help relieve the pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grate an onion to get the juice and then heat it over the stove. Allow the juice to cool completely and then add a few drops to your ears. Not only will the onion juice soothe the pain, but it will also help kill any bacteria that may be causing the infection or discomfort. Don\u2019t let the strong scent of the onion prevent you from trying this home remedy that might bring you some much-needed relief from ear pain. After a few treatments, your ears should start to feel better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Avoid Wearing Headphones<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may not relate your headphones to an earache<\/a>, but they can actually be the cause of infection and prevent your ears from healing. Headphones can carry the bacteria from one person to another or harbor it, so you become infected over and over again. They can also prevent your ears from draining and trap the bacteria inside. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have an earache or ear infection, you should avoid wearing headphones at all. If you think the headphones may be the cause of the infection, you should dispose of them. Never share headphones with others because you could pick up or spread an ear infection. Even if your ears no longer hurt, you should wait to finish your antibiotics to wear your headphones again, to ensure the infection is out of your system. You should change your headphones regularly to avoid earache and ear infections caused by dirt and bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Sleeping Position<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your sleeping <\/a>position may play a role in the intensity and duration of your ear pain. If you sleep on your side, and the affected ear is on the same side, then it may exacerbate your symptoms of ear pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changing your sleeping position may help to prevent any further blockage of the ear canal, and improve airflow, reducing your ear pain. It’s best if you sleep on your back in an elevated position, such as on the couch or recliner, for a few days until the pain clears. Sleeping in a seated position also allows the fluid in the ear, causing the fluid to drain through the eustachian tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use a few large pillows to prop yourself up in bed in an elevated position and allow the ear to drain overnight. Upon waking up in the morning, you should notice a significant reduction in your pain symptoms. After a few nights, you should find that the pain disappears completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Ear Candling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ear candling<\/a> is a controversial therapy used for draining the ears and reducing ear pain. Many doctors are against the use of ear candling as they believe that it can exacerbate the effects of the condition.\u00a0Physicians state that the wax used in the candle may drip inside of the ear canal, causing further blockages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, naturopaths and homeopaths believe that ear candling is a very effective therapy for removing blockages from the ear. The hollow candle consists of beeswax, with a petroleum tip. The practitioner will place the air candle in the center of your ear and light the tip. The heat at the tip of the candle creates a pressure vacuum, drawing up all the ear wax, pulling the blockage into the candle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most patients that use ear candling experience immediate relief after the treatment. It’s advisable that you visit a naturopath or homeopathic office for professional treatment under a licensed practitioner. Avoid using ear candles at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Chiropractic <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Visiting your chiropractor’s office may also provide you with relief from ear pain. There is a network of nerves extending from the base of the brain, through the neck, and the sides of the head. When these nerves become inflamed, they may create symptoms of ear pain. The nerves extending into the neck may also experience inflammation, causing the discs in the cervical spine to trap the nerves, resulting in sensations of pain in the side of the face, the neck, and the ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A chiropractor <\/a>will adjust your spine,\u00a0from the lumbar, through the thoracic, and into the cervical spine. This treatment may release any trapped nerves in the cervical spine, causing your ear pain. Before the chiropractor attempts the adjustment, they consult with you to get a clear view of your medical history.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The chiropractor uses a combination of rotation and force to push the spine back into alignment, and release the trapped nerves. In some cases, you may notice an immediate sense of relief after the adjustment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Moving the Jaw<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you experience sensations of ear pain when traveling in an airplane, it’s probably due to the changes in pressure as the plane climbs to altitude. The adjustment in the cabin pressure may place pressure on the inside of the ear canal<\/a>, causing symptoms of ear pain. Moving your jaw around may help to release any pressure pockets built up in the ears, and return normal pressure to the eardrum and the ear canal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you frequently experience ear pain when traveling on an airplane then try chewing gum during takeoff until you reach altitude. Yawning is also an effective strategy for relieving ear pain related to traveling on planes. When yawning or chewing gum, you should notice a popping sound in your ears, as the pressure reduces, and the eardrum returns to normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If this does not provide you with the relief, you can try using a sinus stretch to remove the blockage. Place your thumb underneath your cheekbone. Use your opposite index finger to pull the cartilage of your nose away in the opposite direction. Release the stretch, and you should notice an immediate sensation of relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Stay Hydrated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the lesser-known causes of ear pain is dehydration. Dehydration affects the body in many more ways than you can imagine. When we’re in a dehydrated<\/a> state, it affects both the nervous system as well as muscles and tissues in the body.\u00a0In a dehydrated state, you may experience a blockage in the eustachian tubes that lead from the inner ear to the throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the eustachian tubes experience blockage or shrink due to dehydration, it may result in sensations of extreme pain in the ears. Doctors recommend that we drink six 8-oz glasses of water throughout the day to maintain levels of optimal hydration. If you do notice that you experience dehydration, load up on water immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To provide relief from blocked Eustachian tubes, run your finger from the base of your ear down towards the bottom of your neck, placing pressure on the muscles in the neck. This strategy should remove the blockage and open up the Eustachian tubes providing relief from your ear pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. OTC Medications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When all of these home remedies fail to remove your ear pain, it’s time to turn to medications to solve the problem. Visit your local drugstore for over-the-counter medicines that can help you relieve your symptoms of ear pain. Painkillers <\/a>and anti-inflammatories can help you manage the symptoms of the condition while the ears return to normal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also specialized ear drops you can use to help clear any blockages inside the ear canals and eustachian tubes. However, if you do not experience any relief from your ear pain symptoms, you may need professional treatment. It’s best if you arrange a consultation with your doctor or an ENT specialist, for a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your doctor will examine your ears, and suggest the right course of treatment to deal with the condition. Ear pain that persists for longer than 5 to 7-days may require treatment with antibiotics to remove any infection.
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