How to Stop an Ear Ache

Earaches can be caused by many things, including swimming, flying and sinus infections. Generally, when your ears hurt you should see a doctor, but if you can't get an immediate appointment, there are a few methods you can try to hopefully relieve pain quickly.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dryer
• Gum
• Mineral/baby oil
• Tylenol/ibuprofen

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Instructions

• 1

  Turn on your hair dryer to the warm setting, and put the speed on low. Hold it about 18 inches from your head and aim the warm air at your aching ear.

• 2

  Chew a couple pieces of gum, and make sure that it's enough to make you really chew. Most people remember to do this on an airplane if their ears pop, but few people think to do it while their feet are on the ground.

• 3

  Take a deep breath while pinching your nose. Hold your breath, then act as if you're blowing your nose (while your mouth is still closed). Your ears might open up with a pop, relieving pressure.

• 4

  Warm a bottle of baby oil or mineral oil in a pot of body-temperature water. After it gets warm, place a drop or two in the ear that hurts. If, however, you suspect the eardrum is ruptured or torn, do not place any liquid into the ear canal.

• 5

  Take Tylenol or ibuprofen for your pain. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, so it could help with swelling, but Tylenol may work better for pain. Try them separately to see which one works better until you make it into the doctor's office.