Cures for Ear Pain

Experiencing ear pain can be a debilitating experience. Regardless of whether you are suffering from internal or external ear pain, there are a few things that can be done to help relieve the pain. Inner ear pain can come from sources such as loud music or ear infections, whereas outer ear pain is more likely to stem from a sunburn or frostbite.

External Cures

• An ice pack is particularly beneficial to a person who has sun burnt ears. Use the ice three times a day for about 15 minutes each time. Do this for the first two days following a sunburn. Overuse of the ice pack should be avoided.

  If you are hit in the ear or if you fall and scrape or bump your ear on the way down, place an ice pack on the ear as soon as possible. An ice pack can help reduce the pain by numbing the ear, but it also will help keep down any swelling that might occur.

  External ear pain can be avoided by simply taking the proper precautions before going out in the elements. Cover your ears with a hat or ear muffs if you plan to be in frigid weather for more than a couple of minutes. Similarly, if you will be in the sun for a long time, use a hat to cover your ears and remember to apply sun screen.

Internal Cures

• To relieve pain inside of the ear, place a washcloth under warm water and place it over your ear. If there is a build-up of wax in the ear that is causing pain, the warm washcloth can facilitate the draining of the earwax and remove ear pressure. You also may use a heating pad, however it should be set to the lowest setting to avoid burning the skin.

  As long as there is no ear infection, you may use an ear wax remover to reduce ear pressure and alleviate pain. The ear wax remover should not be used if there is noticeable redness around the ear or if the ear hurts when you touch it. These symptoms may be signs of a larger problem that would need to be checked by a doctor.

  Using a nasal decongestant has also proven to be helpful in curing ear pain. The decongestant is able to break up fluid that sometimes gathers behind the ear drum. When the fluid is broken up, the pressure felt in that area is also relieved.

  If the discomfort is minor, try something as simple as chewing on a piece of gum to relieve ear pressure.