Home remedies for a sore ear

Ear pain can come from irritation in the ear canal, trapped wax, pressure after a cold, or inflammation behind the eardrum. Pain can also be felt in the ear when the throat, teeth, or sinuses are irritated. A sore ear alone does not identify the cause, and a common cold or earwax buildup may present with ear discomfort without needing the same treatment as a middle-ear infection.

Rest, drink fluids, and place a comfortably warm cloth over the outer ear for short periods. Keep water, cotton buds, and other objects out of the ear canal. If you can take them safely, use an age-appropriate pain reliever according to its label or a clinician’s advice; do not combine products that contain the same ingredient. Avoid putting oil, drops, or homemade mixtures into the ear unless a clinician has recommended them, especially if fluid is coming out or the eardrum may be damaged.

Arrange medical advice if pain is worsening, lasts beyond a short period, returns repeatedly, or is accompanied by reduced hearing, fever, dizziness, swelling around the ear, or discharge. Seek urgent help for severe pain with marked illness, new facial weakness, confusion, or difficulty staying awake. A clinician can examine the canal and eardrum before deciding whether treatment such as ear wax removal or antibiotic treatment is appropriate.

Ask what may be causing the pain, whether the eardrum can be seen clearly, and which pain medicines or ear products are suitable for you. Mention recent swimming, a cold, hearing change, discharge, allergies, and any attempts to clean the ear.