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How To Reduce Ear Pain?

Learn effective home remedies to reduce ear pain and discover when to seek medical attention. Protect your ear health with expert tips and prevention strategies.

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Written by Dr.Sonia Bhatt

Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025

Introduction

Ear pain can be uncomfortable and distressing, whether it’s a sharp, throbbing sensation or a dull ache. It can affect people of all ages, from children to adults, and may be caused by various factors, including infections, pressure changes, or even minor injuries. The good news is that most ear pain can be managed at home with simple remedies, but knowing when to seek medical help is also important.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of ear pain, effective home remedies, and when you should consult a doctor.

Common Causes of Ear Pain

Ear pain (also called otalgia) can stem from different sources, including:

1. Ear Infections – Bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear (otitis media) or outer ear (otitis externa/swimmer’s ear) are common causes, especially in children.

2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – Blockage due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections can cause pressure and pain.

3. Earwax Buildup – Excessive or hardened earwax can press against the eardrum, leading to discomfort.

4. Foreign Objects – Small objects (like cotton swabs or insects) stuck in the ear canal can cause pain.

5. Tooth or Jaw Problems – Dental infections or TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders can radiate pain to the ear.

6. Air Pressure Changes – Sudden altitude changes (like during flights or scuba diving) can cause ear pain.

7. Skin Conditions – Eczema or psoriasis inside the ear canal may lead to irritation.

Symptoms Accompanying Ear Pain

Depending on the cause, ear pain may come with:

  • Hearing loss or muffled hearing

  • Itching or discharge from the ear

  • Fever (common in infections)

  • Dizziness or balance issues

  • Popping or ringing sounds (tinnitus)

Consult Top Doctors for Your Symptoms

Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Ent Specialist

Dr. Gurleen Kaur

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS ,MS -ENT

New Delhi

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Delhi, New Delhi

499

Dr. Shalu Sharma, Ent Specialist

Dr. Shalu Sharma

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS, DLO, DNB (ENT)

Delhi

Salus Advanced ENT Care, Delhi

750

Dr. Sourav Banerjee, Ent Specialist

Dr. Sourav Banerjee

Ent Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MS (Otorihnolaryngology)

New Delhi

THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi

600

700

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar, Ent Specialist

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar

Ent Specialist

8 Years • MBBS, MS(ENT), Fellowship in Neurotology Fellowship in Middle Ear Surgery & Cochlear Implant, Fellowship in Allergy & Asthma

Kolkata

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar's Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

99%

(150+ Patients)

1000

Home Remedies to Reduce Ear Pain

If your ear pain is mild and not accompanied by severe symptoms, try these safe and effective home remedies:

1. Warm or Cold Compress

  • Apply a warm (not hot) cloth or heating pad to the affected ear for 10-15 minutes.

  • Alternatively, a cold pack wrapped in a towel can help numb the pain.

2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid giving aspirin to children unless prescribed by a doctor.

3. Olive Oil or Mineral Oil Drops

Warm a few drops of olive oil (not hot) and place them in the ear to soften earwax. This helps if earwax buildup is the cause.

4. Stay Hydrated and Chew Gum

Swallowing or chewing gum helps open the Eustachian tubes, relieving pressure (helpful during flights).

5. Garlic or Onion Oil (Natural Antibacterial)

Crush a garlic clove, mix with warm olive oil, strain, and apply 2-3 drops in the ear (avoid if the eardrum is perforated).

6. Keep the Ear Dry

If you have swimmer’s ear, avoid water exposure and use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the ear gently.

7. Sleep Upright

Propping your head up with an extra pillow reduces pressure and eases pain.

When to See a Doctor

While most ear pain resolves with home care, seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe pain lasting more than 2 days

  • High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)

  • Pus or bloody discharge from the ear

  • Sudden hearing loss or dizziness

  • Swelling or redness around the ear

  • Pain after an injury or foreign object insertion

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics (for infections), ear drops, or professional earwax removal.

Preventing Ear Pain

To reduce the risk of ear pain:

  • Avoid inserting cotton swabs or objects into the ear.

  • Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or showering.

  • Manage allergies and colds promptly to prevent Eustachian tube blockage.

  • Stay up to date with vaccinations, such as flu and pneumococcal vaccines, which can prevent certain ear infections.

Final Thoughts

Ear pain is usually temporary and treatable with simple remedies. However, persistent or severe pain may indicate an underlying condition needing medical attention and should never be ignored.

If you're experiencing recurring ear pain or need expert advice, consider booking a consultation with an ENT specialist on Apollo 24|7. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure quick relief.

Consult Top ENT Specialists

Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Ent Specialist

Dr. Gurleen Kaur

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS ,MS -ENT

New Delhi

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Delhi, New Delhi

499

Dr. Shalu Sharma, Ent Specialist

Dr. Shalu Sharma

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS, DLO, DNB (ENT)

Delhi

Salus Advanced ENT Care, Delhi

750

Dr. Sourav Banerjee, Ent Specialist

Dr. Sourav Banerjee

Ent Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MS (Otorihnolaryngology)

New Delhi

THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi

600

700

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar, Ent Specialist

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar

Ent Specialist

8 Years • MBBS, MS(ENT), Fellowship in Neurotology Fellowship in Middle Ear Surgery & Cochlear Implant, Fellowship in Allergy & Asthma

Kolkata

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar's Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

99%

(150+ Patients)

1000

Consult Top Doctors for Your Symptoms

Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Ent Specialist

Dr. Gurleen Kaur

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS ,MS -ENT

New Delhi

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Delhi, New Delhi

499

Dr. Shalu Sharma, Ent Specialist

Dr. Shalu Sharma

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS, DLO, DNB (ENT)

Delhi

Salus Advanced ENT Care, Delhi

750

Dr. Sourav Banerjee, Ent Specialist

Dr. Sourav Banerjee

Ent Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MS (Otorihnolaryngology)

New Delhi

THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi

600

700

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar, Ent Specialist

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar

Ent Specialist

8 Years • MBBS, MS(ENT), Fellowship in Neurotology Fellowship in Middle Ear Surgery & Cochlear Implant, Fellowship in Allergy & Asthma

Kolkata

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar's Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

99%

(150+ Patients)

1000

Dr. M Venkata Apparao, Ent Specialist

Dr. M Venkata Apparao

Ent Specialist

25 Years • MBBS MS

Visakhapatnam

Apparao ENT CLINIC, Visakhapatnam

300

Consult Top ENT Specialists

Dr. Gurleen Kaur, Ent Specialist

Dr. Gurleen Kaur

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS ,MS -ENT

New Delhi

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Delhi, New Delhi

499

Dr. Shalu Sharma, Ent Specialist

Dr. Shalu Sharma

Ent Specialist

14 Years • MBBS, DLO, DNB (ENT)

Delhi

Salus Advanced ENT Care, Delhi

750

Dr. Sourav Banerjee, Ent Specialist

Dr. Sourav Banerjee

Ent Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MS (Otorihnolaryngology)

New Delhi

THE DOCTORS NESST, New Delhi

600

700

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar, Ent Specialist

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar

Ent Specialist

8 Years • MBBS, MS(ENT), Fellowship in Neurotology Fellowship in Middle Ear Surgery & Cochlear Implant, Fellowship in Allergy & Asthma

Kolkata

Dr. Krishan Rajbhar's Clinic, Kolkata

recommendation

99%

(150+ Patients)

1000

Dr. M Venkata Apparao, Ent Specialist

Dr. M Venkata Apparao

Ent Specialist

25 Years • MBBS MS

Visakhapatnam

Apparao ENT CLINIC, Visakhapatnam

300

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