An infection of the middle ear may develop when fluid accumulates behind the eardrum, often following a respiratory infection. An infection of the outer ear can involve the skin lining the ear canal. These conditions differ in their location, causes, and treatment.
Earwax buildup may produce a blocked sensation, discomfort, or reduced hearing. Pressure changes during air travel or changes in altitude can also cause pain or fullness.
Not all pain felt near the ear originates in the ear itself. Dental problems, jaw-joint disorders, throat infections, and other conditions can cause pain that radiates into the surrounding area.
This variety of possible causes explains why a single home remedy cannot be expected to work for every earache.
For example, a warm compress may provide temporary comfort, but it will not remove a significant wax blockage. A treatment intended for an outer-ear infection may be unsuitable for a person with a perforated eardrum. Likewise, an ointment applied to the skin cannot be assumed to treat an infection located behind the eardrum.
According to the Mayo Clinic, middle-ear infections may cause pain, pressure, drainage, and hearing difficulties. Their symptoms can overlap with those of other conditions, making proper assessment important.
Source: Mayo Clinic — Middle-ear infection: Symptoms and causes.
8. A Warm Compress May Offer Temporary Comfort
One of the simplest approaches to minor ear discomfort is to place a clean, comfortably warm cloth against the outside of the affected ear.
Warmth can be soothing and may help a person feel more comfortable while monitoring symptoms. Unlike an ointment placed in the ear canal, an external compress does not introduce a foreign substance into the ear.
The cloth should be warm rather than hot. Excessive heat can burn the skin, particularly in young children or anyone whose ability to judge temperature is impaired.
A compress should remain outside the ear. There is no need to push cloth, cotton, or another material into the canal to obtain the potential soothing effect.
This measure is intended for comfort, not as a cure. If pain is severe, persists, or occurs alongside fever, discharge, swelling, or hearing changes, professional assessment may be necessary.
The UK's National Health Service recommends holding a warm flannel against the affected ear as one option for easing earache. It also advises against inserting objects into the ear or attempting to remove earwax yourself.
Source: NHS — Earache.
9. Pain Relief Should Be Appropriate for the Person
Depending on the cause and severity of ear discomfort, an appropriate pain reliever may help. However, the right medicine depends on factors such as age, allergies, other medications, and existing health conditions.
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, and ibuprofen are commonly used for pain relief when suitable for the individual. Neither medicine is appropriate for everyone in every circumstance, and package instructions must be followed.
Children require particular care because medication choice and dosing depend on age and, for many products, weight. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 in the UK unless specifically prescribed by a doctor.
It is also important to distinguish between pain relief and treatment of the underlying cause. A pain reliever may reduce discomfort without resolving an infection or other medical problem.
Ear drops should not be chosen casually, either. Some are intended to soften wax, while others are used for particular infections or inflammatory conditions. Certain drops are unsuitable when the eardrum is perforated or ear tubes are present.
A pharmacist can help determine whether an over-the-counter option is appropriate. Persistent or severe symptoms warrant clinical evaluation rather than repeated attempts to manage the problem at home.
Source: NHS — Earache.