How to Deal With an Ear Infection

An ear infection is extremely painful and can cause its sufferer a night of miserable insomnia or a day of agony. While most ear infections will heal themselves without the use of antibiotics, taking an antibiotic may speed the healing process, relieving the pain much faster. However until you can get yourself or your child to the doctor, there are steps you can take to relieve the pain yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen
• Ear drops
• Heating pad or warm washcloth
• St. John's wort oil
• Garlic oil
• Mullein oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Use a pain reliever. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce the inflammation inside your ear while relieving the pain. If you are treating your child, purchase the liquid suspension versions made for children and do not give to children under the age of 2 without speaking to the doctor first.

• 2

  Try ear drops. Over-the counter ear drops contain an anesthetic that numbs the inner ear, providing temporary pain relief caused by an ear infection. Before using, warm the drops by placing the bottle in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. Then lay down with the infected ear facing up and squeeze two to three drops into the ear, remaining in this position for approximately five minutes; this allows the drops time to work themselves into the ear and ensures they will not leak out. Before using, check for any drainage from the infected ear; if any is noticed, it could be a sign of a ruptured ear drum. In this case, the ear drops are not safe to use.

• 3

  Apply heat. Heat on the infected ear helps the glands produce wax, which results in pain relief. A heating pad on low or medium heat, covered with a towel to prevent skin irritation, is one option. If you do not have a heating pad, wet a wash cloth and wring it out completely. Place it in a microwave for 30 seconds or until it reaches a comfortable temperature and apply it to the infected ear. Apply heat for 20 minutes, then remove for 20. Repeat as many times as needed.

• 4

  Massage your ear. Using your fingertips, gently massage the area on your face where the inner ear and your face come together. This can be effective to relieve the pain from an earache.

• 5

  Use natural oils. St. John's wort oil helps relieve earache pain by reducing the inflammation that accompanies it, while Mullein oil may reduce inflammation that occurs along the lining of the ear canal. Garlic oil may be an effective remedy for ear pain due to its ability to fight infection. To use, apply three to four drops of any of these oils separately onto a cotton ball and place it in your ear.