|  | Conditions Treatments | Ears Hearing

Remedies for Ear Pain

Because ear pain can come in different forms, there are different ways to treat the pain. For example, if an ear hurts from listening to gunshot blasts or loud music at a concert, the way you treat the pain would differ from the pain felt from getting a sunburn or frostbite on your ears.

  1. External Pain

    • If your ears get sunburned, an ice pack can help them feel better. To use the ice pack properly and most effectively, use it in the morning, mid-day and evening for about 15 minutes during each session. This should be done for the first 48 hours after the sunburn occurs. Do not over use the ice as it could cause frostbite.

      For an external injury on the ear caused by a fall and a subsequent scratch or bump, use the ice pack on the ear as soon as possible. Not only will the ice pack on the ear ease the pain, but it also can help keep down swelling that may occur from an ear injury.

      Simply planning ahead and taking the proper precautions can help minimize the risk for external ear pain. For example, if you know you will be outside for an extended time in cold weather, wear earmuffs or a hat that covers your ears. Likewise, place sunscreen on your ears if you will be out in the sun for a long period of time.

    Internal Pain

    • You can decrease the pain inside of the ear by trying a few different methods to see what works. Placing a washcloth in warm water and then holding the cloth on the ear can sometimes help reduce the pain found in the inner ear because the warmth from the cloth helps melt earwax and causes it to drain. This decreases pressure in the ear. A heating pad can be used instead with a warm washcloth; however it should only be used on the lowest setting and should not be used for long periods of time.

      If there is no ear infection and no noticeable redness or tenderness around the ear, you may want to use an ear-wax remover to try to reduce the pain. The ear-wax remover is designed to get rid of earwax and subsequently decrease the pressure felt inside the ear. If there is redness or extreme tenderness around the ear, it probably is best to see a doctor. These symptoms can be indicative of a more serious problem.

      Some choose to use nasal decongestants to reduce the pain in the ear. The decongestant breaks up fluid that sometimes gathers behind an eardrum. As the fluid is dispersed, the pressure is eased.

Ears Hearing - Related Articles