How to Temporarily Stop an Earache

Everyone experiences an earache at least once in their lifetime. They are painful and most of the time you just want to stop the pain until a doctor takes a look and treats the underlying problem. Fortunately, there is a quick, easy way to keep the pain at bay until help is available.

Things You'll Need

• Sweet oil
• Metal teaspoon
• Lighter
• Cotton or tissue

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Instructions

• 1

  Purchase a bottle of sweet oil. Most pharmacies carry it. One small bottle should be all you need.

• 2

  Place several drops of sweet oil into a clean, metal teaspoon.

• 3

  Use a lighter to heat the oil in the spoon. Move the lighter's flame back and forth under the spoon for a few seconds or until the oil is warm. If the oil gets too hot, you won't be able to use it.

• 4

  Test the oil in the spoon on the sensitive, thin skin of your inner forearm as if you are testing milk from a baby's bottle. The oil should feel warm but not hot on your skin. If the temperature of the oil is uncomfortable on your forearm, you risk burning the tissue of your inner ear. If the oil is too hot, wait for it to cool and test it again. Another option is to pour it out and start over with a new spoon.

• 5

  Drizzle the oil into the aching ear. It feels and sounds strange when the oil goes in, but the relief is worth it.

• 6

  Massage the ear and the throat just beneath the ear. This works the oil down into the ear canal and gives the canal an even coating.

• 7

  Pack the ear with tissue, cotton or something soft but less absorbent to keep the oil in the ear while you go about your normal routine.

• 8

  Repeat the process as often as necessary until you meet with a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause of the pain.