How to Stop an Earache Fast

Earaches are common in young children, but people of all ages can get them, and they can be very uncomfortable. The treatment for earache depends on the cause. Please continue reading to learn the possible causes of earache and how you can get relief from earache fast.

What causes earache?

An earache can be primary or secondary. Primary earache comes from the ear canal, for example, ear infections. Secondary earache comes from surrounding body parts, for example, the jaw or a tooth. Some common causes of earache include:

Ear infections

Otitis externa (swimmer’s ear or outer ear infection): This is a bacterial infection of the outer ear canal due to excess water remaining in the ear, where the moist environment allows the growth of bacteria.
Otitis media (middle ear infection): Acute otitis media primarily affects children but can occur in adults too. A common cold, sore throat, or upper respiratory infection can cause congestion, leading to swelling of the eustachian tubes that equalize pressure in the ear. Infected fluid can collect behind the eardrum, and the fluid buildup can cause earache in the infected ear.
Otitis interna (inner ear infection): These ear infections occur if structures in the inner ear become irritated or inflamed. They can cause problems with hearing and balance. Possible causes include a cold or flu or a middle ear infection spreading to the inner ear.

Foreign objects

The presence of earwax or a foreign object in the ear canal can cause earache in the affected ear. Foreign objects are more likely in small children who may put food, pebbles, or other small things into their ears out of curiosity. Do not attempt to remove a foreign object yourself to reduce earache because you could end up pushing it further into the ear canal.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma refers to earache caused by extreme air pressure change, such as when flying on an airplane or SCUBA diving. In severe cases, it can lead to a ruptured eardrum and severe ear pain.

Eustachian tube dysfunction

Problems with the eustachian tube can cause ear pressure, earache, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Ear surgeries

Typically, ear infections clear with medications. However, children who get many ear infections may need to undergo a surgical procedure, such as the placement of ear tubes or myringotomy, which involves cutting the eardrum to allow fluid drainage. There can be minor ear pain while the incision heals.

Secondary causes of earache

Sore throat, tooth decay and cavities, dental abscess, jaw pain from temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are some of the conditions that can cause earache due to referred pain.

What is the fastest way to get rid of an ear infection in adults?

The fastest way to get rid of an ear infection in adults is to see a healthcare provider and get proper treatment. Your provider may prescribe:

Oral antibiotics or antibiotic ear drops to treat bacterial infections, for example, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, ofloxacin, tobramycin, others. Note: Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
Antifungal ear drops (fluconazole, miconazole, others).
Antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal steroids to reduce inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.
Pain relievers to reduce pain.

It’s important to get professional medical care if you or your child has recurrent ear infections. Your doctor will find the cause of the ear infections, which is the first step towards treatment and cure.

How do you get rid of ear infection pain ASAP?

Over-the-counter medications

OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) can relieve ear pain. Aspirin also has pain relieving properties, but should not be taken by children under age 16.

Warm compress

Placing a warm compress against the affected ear may relieve pain. Make sure the flannel/towel or heating pad is not too hot to avoid burns. You can also alternate between a cold and warm compress.

Chewing gum

A Finnish study has found that chewing Xylitol-containing chewing gum may have a preventive effect against acute otitis media in children. If your child is experiencing ear pain, this may be a helpful tip to consider.

How do you get rid of ear pain overnight?

Home remedies for earache

Neck exercises: Stretching your neck is a natural remedy to release pressure buildup in the ear tubes.
Fluid drying eardrops: These are available over-the-counter and can help with swimmer’s ear by drying up excess moisture inside the ear.
Salt water gargles: Gargling with warm water and salt can help relieve a sore throat and earache if the pain is due to a throat infection.
Hydrogen peroxide: Swabbing a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the ear can help to soften and dissolve earwax. It’s a common home remedy. However, too much hydrogen peroxide can irritate the skin, and a high concentration can cause burns. You should not use hydrogen peroxide if you have an ear infection or a damaged eardrum. Also, it’s worth noting that after the oxygen in hydrogen peroxide evaporates, it leaves behind water, which can allow bacteria to grow. Rinsing the affected ear with rubbing alcohol can dry it out. If you develop pain while removing earwax, stop immediately because you may have an undiagnosed perforated eardrum (hole in the eardrum).
Rest and hydration: Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids can support the immune system and help the body fight infections.

Home remedies to avoid

Q-tips: Many people use Q-tips to remove earwax. However, while Q-tips remove some earwax, they mostly push the earwax further into the ear. Also, if you have a bacterial infection, using a Q-tip can push infected fluid farther into the ear.
Oils: Garlic oil, tea tree oil, and olive oil are ingredients in naturopathic ear drops and are believed to help with ear infections due to their natural anti-inflammatory properties. However, using these oils can cause more harm than good. If you have a middle ear infection, they don’t get to the source of the problem. Plus, they can be harmful if you have a hole in your eardrum.
Homeopathic ear drops: Avoid using homeopathic remedies such as belladonna, wolfsbane, or ferrum phosphoricum to reduce ear pain without talking to your healthcare provider.

How should I sleep with ear pain?

Place a few extra pillows under your head and sleep with your ears above the rest of your body. If you have an infection in the right ear, sleep on your left side. This can help to reduce ear pressure and alleviate ear pain.