How to Get Rid of Ear Aches

Ear ache or otalgia, is a common medical problem shared by millions of adults and children worldwide. This ailment is usually by a bacterial infection of the middle or outer ear. Ear aches can also be caused by an infection of the nerves close to the ear, which may have started from throat disorders, dental conditions, sinusitis, neck and spine diseases or jaw disorders. If left untreated, otalgia can worsen and cause extreme discomfort and, possibly, permanent damage to your hearing. There are a few home remedies you can try to effectively eliminate ear aches.

Things You'll Need

• Medicine dropper
• Pain medication
• Garlic oil
• Hot pack
• Cloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Take an over-the-counter pain killer such as Advil. This medication can reduce the pain in your ears. It can also reduce the fever associated with an ear infection. Follow the dosage instructions by reading the direction on the package.

• 2

  Swallow water or food. Swallowing can relieve earaches by removing the buildup of pressure caused by an ear infection or changes in altitude (mountain climbing, going under water). Chewing gum can give you the same effect.

• 3

  Put a hot pack on your ear. The heat causes the blood vessels in and around your ear to dilate, reducing the pain. Be sure to protect your skin by covering the hot pack with a thick cloth prior to putting it to your ear. Apply the pack to the ear for 20 minutes or wait until it cools.

• 4

  Drop garlic oil into the affected ear at the first sign of pain. Ear aches can be caused by a bacterial infection. Garlic contains a powerful compound called allicin which is a natural antibiotic. Using a medicine dropper, apply two or three drops of garlic oil to the affected ear. Leave the oil in your ear for 15 minutes. Tilt your down to let the oil drip out and wash the ear out afterwards. You can purchase garlic oil at a health food store.

• 5

  Consult your physician if the pain worsens or is accompanied by a fever. Pulsating pain with fever can be a bacterial infection of the middle ear, which may require antibiotic therapy. If left untreated, pus may form and damage the inner ear, causing deafness.