Earache treatment at home: what can help

Ear pain can come from irritation in the ear canal, trapped wax, a middle-ear infection, or pressure linked with a cold or sinusitis. Throat problems such as tonsillitis can also cause pain felt near the ear. Earache by itself does not identify the cause, so notice whether you also have fever, blocked hearing, discharge, dizziness, a sore throat, or congestion.

Use an over-the-counter pain medicine only if it is suitable for you, following the label and asking a pharmacist about interactions or child dosing. Hold a comfortably warm cloth against the outer ear. Rest, drink fluids, and avoid swimming. Do not put cotton buds, fingers, oil, or unprescribed drops into the canal. Antibiotics are not useful for every cause; a clinician may decide whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. If wax seems responsible, professional ear wax removal is safer than digging it out.

Arrange medical advice if pain is severe, persists, keeps returning, or is accompanied by reduced hearing, discharge, fever, or swelling around the ear. Seek urgent help for marked dizziness, sudden hearing loss, severe headache, facial weakness, or feeling very unwell. Children, people with diabetes, and anyone with a weakened immune system may need earlier assessment.

Ask what is causing the pain, whether the eardrum and ear canal look healthy, which pain relief is suitable, and whether hearing should be checked if blockage remains.