Ear pain can be bothersome, especially at night, but certain home remedies can offer temporary relief from pain. Here are some ENT-approved methods that are both safe and effective. Let’s talk about what you can safely do at home — and when you should not delay seeing your ENT.
Ear pain can be due to various reasons. Some common causes include:
• Middle or outer ear infections (otitis media or otitis externa)
• Cold & sinus congestion
• Earwax buildup
• Eustachian tube blockade n
• Dental problems or TMJ issues
• Water trapped inside the ear after swimming
For detailed info you can read our full blog post on the 5 Common Causes of Ear Pain.
Not all ear pain needs antibiotic. In some cases, with mild pain — especially when there’s no fever, swelling, or discharge — home care can offer real relief. following are are safe and ENT-approved home remedies for ear pain.
It soothes the Pain:
A warm compress is especially helpful for cold-related ear pain, such as sinus congestion or an ear infection.
How to Apply It Safely:
Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and place it on the area surrounding the affected ear for 10–15 minutes. You can use dry cloth also. Ensure the compress isn’t too hot to avoid skin irritation.
I usually instruct my patients not to keep it on the ear but on the area surrounding the ear.
Helps Unblock Eustachian Tubes:
If your ear pain is due to a cold, nose or sinus congestion, inhalation of steam can help clear the blockage in the Eustachian tubes. The warm, moist air opens up the tubes, reducing pressure sensation in the ear.
How to take steam inhalation? Carefully inhale steam by leaning over a bowl of hot water, covering your head with a towel to trap the steam. you can use electric steamer also.
For Nighttime Pain Relief:
Ear pain often worsens at night due to changes in pressure or fluid buildup in lying position. Elevating your head while sleeping can help reduce the pressure in the ear, thus it may reduce the pain.
Use an extra pillow to prop up your head.
Safe OTC Options:
For mild ear pain over-the-counter analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and ease discomfort.
Always read and follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Warm fluids and good sleep helps the body heal. Dehydration can sometimes thicken mucus and worsen blockages.
Over-the-counter ear drops might help in some cases but can worsen the pain if the eardrum is perforated or skin is scratched. Always check with your ENT before applying it.
Camphor: Can irritate the ear canal.
Hydrogen Peroxide: May cause irritation and disrupt the natural ear environment.
Don’t Insert Objects or Oils in the Ear: Avoid inserting cotton swabs, pins, match sticks or other objects, as they can cause injury or push wax deeper.
Lukewarm olive oil can provide temporary relief in pain due to ear wax. But it can cause complications such as fungal ear infections later.
Garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties — but our ear is not a cooking pot. We, ENT specialists advise against using garlic oil in the ear due to potential risks. If there’s any ear discharge or hole in the ear drum using garlic oil can cause irritation or worsen the condition. it may also lead to fungal infection. Read article by USA Today that putting garlic in the ear is not a good idea.
Important Point to remember – These remedies are for mild cases only
While home remedies can offer relief for mild ear pain, there are certain signs that indicate it’s time to consult an ENT specialist.
These home remedies can provide temporary relief from your mild ear pain. but they do not replace professional ENT treatment.
If your earache persists, worsens or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms fever, ear discharge or hearing loss, a timely evaluation by an ENT specialist is essential. This ensures that any underlying issues, such as infections or structural problems, are properly diagnosed and treated.
With the right care, most ear conditions are treatable and manageable, allowing you to return to your daily life without discomfort. If you’re experiencing persistent ear pain or have concerns, expert guidance is just a call away.
Reach out to me for your ear pain. I am Dr Archana Jhawar an ENT specialist based in Vashi, Navi Mumbai since last 24 years.
You can read How ENT specialists diagnose ear pain my previous blog post. Stay tuned.
To relieve ear pain at night, elevate your head while sleeping to reduce pressure and promote drainage. A warm compress over the ear can also help ease discomfort. If pain persists, it’s best to seek medical attention from an ENT specialist.
For children, it’s important to consult an ENT Specialist before trying home remedies. However, a warm compress on the outer ear and keeping the head elevated while sleeping can help reduce discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relief (under pediatric guidance) may also be beneficial.
To relieve ear pain quickly, use a warm compress or apply over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. If the pain is caused by a cold or sinus issues, steam inhalation can help unblock the Eustachian tubes.
Ear pain caused by congestion or mild irritation can often be treated without antibiotics. Home remedies such as warm compresses, steam inhalation, and over-the-counter pain relief can be effective in managing symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider before deciding on the treatment.
Ear drops can provide relief from mild irritation, earwax buildup, or fluid in the ear. Use only those recommended by an ENT specialist. For infections or severe pain, seek professional treatment.
Hi, I’m Dr. Archana Jhawar, an ENT specialist with over 24 years of experience. I specialize in tinnitus treatment, vertigo , ear care, and ear surgeries, practicing at Neoalta Clinic, Vashi, and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Navi Mumbai. I’ve trained in vertigo management and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), combining science with compassion to offer holistic, evidence-based care. I’m passionate about writing, poetry, music, yoga, and photography.
