Earache can be very painful. Let's see what we can do.
The first thing to do is get a warm moist cloth and apply over the ear that hurt.
When you have done that, see available over-the-counter earache medications below. Then continue to see how to use this information to make a good decision on how to take care of this earache you are experiencing.
Pain relievers
NSAIDs
Start with this if you can take something like ibuprofen or naproxen.
Should help with swelling that is typical of earaches and ear pain. Most of the time, an inflammation is causing the ear pain.
Acetaminophen
This is the second choice if you cannot take ibuprofen or naproxen.
Homeopathic eardrops
Hylands®, Similasan® or store brands temporarily relieve ear pain. At a minimum they will soothe the ear. Don't expect them to last long or solve the problem.
We suggest adding an oral anti-inflammatory pain reliever such as ibuprofen or naproxen to this if you want to sleep at night.
Warming soothing oils
Olive/sweet oil, mullein/garlic oil, tea tree oil.
Use any of these if the ear is not draining pus.
We recommend starting with sweet oil or olive oil.
Don't go looking for sweet oil at the pharmacy. Get olive oil, warm it up and put 2 to 3 drops in the affected ear(s). Make sure you heat the olive oil by putting it in a container and putting the container in hot water or running it under hot water. Test the temperature on the forearm and apply the drops.
Warning. Stay away from these if an earache is caused by swimming or water in the ear. It will make it worse. The oil will just be floating on the water. You need drying agents for this situation.
Let's use this information to choose a good over-the -counter remedy.
Earache could be caused by different things, which of these listed below apply to you?
Choose your symptoms from the list below and see what is recommended.
You must have this earache really bad.
We must have left something out.
Pain Reliever
NSAIDs
Start with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if you can take something like ibuprofen or naproxen.
This will help with swelling which is typical of earaches and ear pain. Most of the time, an inflammation is causing the ear pain.
Acetaminophen
This is the second choice if you cannot take ibuprofen or naproxen.
Soothing ear drops
Olive/sweet oil, mullein/garlic oil, tea tree oil.
Use any of these if the ear is not draining pus. We recommend starting with sweet oil or olive oil.
Don't go looking for sweet oil at the pharmacy. Get olive oil, warm it up and put 2 to 3 drops in the affected ear(s). Make sure you heat the olive oil by putting it in a container and putting the container in hot water or running it under hot water. Test the temperature on the forearm and apply the drops.
Warning:
Stay away from these if an earache is caused by swimming or water in the ear. It will make it worse. The oil will just be floating on the water. You will need drying agents for this situation.
Hylands, Similasan or store brands.
These eardrops should temporarily relieve ear pain and congestion or at a minimum soothe the ear.
We recommend you add an oral anti-inflammatory pain reliever to this if you want to sleep at night.
Decongestants
A decongestant is useful if an earache is due to sinus pain and pressure or from a cold or allergy.
Get pseudoephedrine. Ask for this at the pharmacy counter.
Warm Compress
Should help with the inflammatory pain and reduce congestion in the affected ear.
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