1. Warm or Cold Compress
Apply a warm—or cold—washcloth to your ear for 10–20 minutes. Warmth relaxes muscles and helps fluid drain; cold numbs pain and reduces swelling. You can even switch between warm and cold every 10 minutes for double effect!
2. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Take pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Follow label doses and wait 2–3 days—if you’re still not better, see a doctor.
3. Elevate Your Head
When sleeping, prop your head higher with pillows so the infected ear faces upward. Gravity helps fluid drain away, reducing pressure and speedier relief.
4. Stay Hydrated & Rest
Help your body fight infection by drinking lots of fluids like water and warm teas (try honey-lemon!). Also, get plenty of rest—it’s your body’s repair time.
5. Saltwater Gargle (Indirect Help)
If your infection is linked to a cold or sore throat, gargle warm saltwater (1 tsp in 1 cup). It soothes soreness, easing related ear discomfort. But never put it in your ear!
6. Hydrogen Peroxide Drops
Tilt your head and put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the ear. Let it fizz for about a minute, then let it drain. This helps loosen mucus or wax that might worsen the infection.
7. Alcohol-Vinegar Ear Drops
Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. With a clean dropper, put 5–10 drops in your ear. Leave for a few minutes, then tilt your head to drain. This dries moisture and kills germs.
8. Ginger or Garlic Oil (Topical Only)
Ginger has anti-inflammatory power; garlic fights bacteria. Warm a few drops of ginger or garlic oil and put them around the ear opening (not inside!). This can ease pain and swelling.
9. Gentle Neck Exercises
Move your head in gentle circles, tilt each ear to shoulders, shrug shoulders, and open your mouth wide—all slowly. These exercises relieve tense muscles and lower pressure around your ear.
10. Clean Outer Ear—No Swabs!
Wipe around the outer ear gently with a warm, damp cloth. Never insert cotton swabs or objects—this can push wax deeper, injure your ear, or cause more infection.
🛑 When to See a Doctor
If any of these happen, visit a doctor:
- Symptoms still bad after 2–3 days
- High fever, strong pain, fluid or blood discharge
- Dizziness or hearing loss
- Ear tubes, known eardrum holes, or weak immune system