Earache? American Doctors Share Home Remedies

Anyone who has ever experienced an earache knows that it is one of the most uncomfortable, if not downright painful, sensations there is.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, ear infections are not only painful but can also take one to two weeks for full recovery. Many physicians adopt a “wait-and-see” approach, avoiding antibiotics and allowing time and home remedies to take effect. Although there is no scientific data definitively supporting home treatments, American ENT specialist Professor Matthew Bush of the University of Kentucky explains, “From our experience, home concoctions, often referred to as ‘grandma’s remedies,’ can be soothing.”

He adds, “I am not aware of any harm that can result from home remedies. They may, in fact, be effective.”

Another ENT specialist, Dr. Austin Rose, head of the Pediatric Department at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, recommends a completely natural method for easing earaches in both children and adults. “When you feel your ears ‘popping,’ close your mouth, pinch your nostrils, and try to gently breathe out through your nose,” he advises. “You should hear a small ‘pop,’ similar to the pressure change you feel on an airplane or while ascending a mountain. In my experience, this method works well, especially when repeated frequently.”

“We occasionally see serious complications from ear infections,” Dr. Rose notes, stressing the importance of seeking immediate medical attention if ear pain is accompanied by facial weakness, high fever, bloody discharge from the ear, or if it occurs in an infant. “In children, recurrent ear infections can also increase the risk of hearing loss and speech difficulties.”

Home remedies that may help relieve ear pain include:

Warm or Cold Compress
Soak a cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, fold it into a rectangle, and place it over the ear. The warmth and moisture may help relieve congestion. If the pain is accompanied by a fever, a cold compress may be more helpful.

Steam Inhalation
Fill a large bowl with hot water. Place a towel over your head to fully cover it and inhale the steam rising from the water.

Saltwater Gargle
“Because earaches can be connected to sore throats, gargling warm salt water may help ease symptoms,” says Dr. Rose. “Mix one teaspoon of salt with a quarter cup of warm water, as also recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians.”

If the ear feels blocked, Dr. Bush suggests using a solution of one quarter teaspoon of vinegar placed in the ear canal, provided there is no perforated eardrum and no known allergies.

Additional remedies suggested by both doctors include:

• Garlic oil
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Tea tree oil
• Coconut oil
• Rubbing alcohol
• Oregano oil
• Onion juice
• Garlic and olive oil
• Castor oil

In conclusion, both doctors emphasize that while ear infections and pain often improve over time with “grandma’s remedies,” some situations require more proactive medical care. “If you’ve tried these methods for a day or two and continue to experience pain and fever,” they advise, “it’s time to contact your doctor for further evaluation.”