How Do I Get Rid of An Earache?

How do I get rid of an earache? There are several things to try if you have an earache and some of them are already in your home.

One way to deal with an earache is to determine what caused it as that may determine a course of action. If you have a severe earache, lasting more than three hours, if you have a mild earache that has persisted for more than a day, or you have recently had some kind of trauma to your ear, then you need to see a doctor. So a doctor may give you the answer to, “How do I get rid of an earache?” especially if it is caused by something more than a minor infection.

An acute earache is most often from an outer ear infection, called otitis externa, or a middle ear infection called, otitis media. Other causes include: Eustachian Tube dysfunction, having a cold, a ruptured ear drum, or airplane ear.

Symptoms include: pain inside the ear, or pain when the ear is pulled or stretched, a plugged feeling inside the ear, hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and itchiness.    

How Do I Get Rid of An Earache

The first thing to try when you have an earache is Acetaminophen, available in Tylenol. Do not take Ibuprofen or Aspirin, as they may cause more pain or ringing in your ear. It is especially important not to give aspirin to a child, as Reyes Syndrome (inflammation of the brain tissue), could be induced, particularly if they have a fever.

There is a product called Auralgan which is an anesthetic that can be administered into the ear canal. It can be found where drugs are sold and even online. This would be good for people who are sensitive to Tylenol, or have acid reflux or ulcers.

A good home remedy is mineral oil or olive oil. They will work on external ear infections, like swimmer’s ear. Do not use them if you have a perforated ear drum or drainage plugs in your ear. The oil will help the water drain and protect the ear canal. A side benefit is that it can loosen ear wax.

A decongestant, like Sudafed, can be taken because it helps with drainage. It is especially helpful if your infection is in the middle ear, and many times doctors will prescribe a decongestant along with an antibiotic.  

A warm compress over your ear may help relieve some of the pain. You can use a heating pad or just a towel dipped in warm water and wrung out. It does not need to be hot, just very warm.

There is a homeopathic remedy made by Murine for ear infections. It has glycerine oil, which is similar to mineral oil.

Another home remedy is garlic oil. It has antimicrobial properties and is also a natural painkiller.    

Preventing Earaches

Along with knowing the answer to, “How do I get rid of an earache?” you should know how to prevent them. Remember, if you have recurrent or severe earaches, a doctor should be consulted. Here are some things that may help prevent earaches in the future.

• Don’t put anything in your ear. This includes a swab, even a cotton tipped one, your fingernail, or any sharp object.
• Blow your nose gently. Try to avoid being around people who have a head or chest cold.
• Do not smoke or hang out around people who do. Smokers are prone to ear infections.
• When you swim, wear ear plugs. Make sure you clean them with alcohol when you have finished using them and store them in a dry place.
• Flush out your ears with alcohol or vinegar and water after swimming or showering. If your ear drum is perforated or you have drainage plugs, you may want to use a hair dryer on low heat to help dry your ears.  
• Sleep with your head in an elevated position to help prevent ear infections and aches. This uses gravity to help your ears drain, both internally and externally.