Home remedies for earache

Tips & tricks for ear pain relief
Last update on Jun 02rd, 2025

Earache can be caused by a variety of issues, including infections, cold-related congestion, wax build-up or pressure changes. While it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms, there are several home remedies for earache that may help relieve mild discomfort:

  • Warm compress: Applying a warm flannel to the affected ear can ease pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Olive oil drops: A few drops of slightly warmed olive oil may soothe irritation in the outer ear canal (never use this method if there's fluid discharge).
  • Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam can help relieve pressure and unblock the Eustachian tubes, especially if the pain is due to a cold or sinus infection.
  • Hydration and rest: Drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest supports the body's natural healing process.

These methods are gentle, accessible, and suitable for both children and adults when symptoms are mild and not accompanied by fever or hearing loss.

Do olive oil and garlic also help with earache?

Olive oil and garlic are traditional home remedies that may help relieve mild earache symptoms — particularly in cases linked to earwax build-up or minor outer ear irritation. However, they should be used with caution and never as a substitute for medical treatment in the case of infection or serious symptoms.

Olive oil for earache:

  • How it helps: Slightly warmed (body temperature) olive oil may help soften earwax and reduce irritation in the outer ear canal.
  • How to use: Use a dropper to place 1–2 drops into the ear while lying on your side, then stay in that position for a few minutes.
  • When to avoid: Do not use olive oil if there is discharge, a ruptured eardrum, or signs of infection (e.g. swelling, fever, severe pain).

Garlic oil for earache

  • How it helps: Garlic has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and garlic oil is sometimes used to ease pain caused by mild infections.
  • How to use: Garlic oil (available from pharmacies) can be warmed slightly and applied externally around the ear, or in rare cases, dropped into the ear—only under medical supervision.

Important: Always consult a healthcare professional before using oils in the ear—especially for children or if symptoms persist or worsen. Never insert anything into the ear if you suspect a middle ear infection or a perforated eardrum.

Red light for ear pain & otitis media

The infrared radiation from red light lamps works wonders for chronic ear pain. The warmth of the lamp stimulates the blood circulation and thus the metabolism of the problematic ear. In this way, inflammatory secretions can flow out of the ear canal, which leads to pain relief. Red light also relieves pain in middle ear infections.

How long and how often red light is used for ear pain depends on the severity of the symptoms. However, make sure that the ear is exposed to the lamp for a maximum of ten minutes and at a minimum distance of 50 centimeters to avoid burns.

Onion wraps for the ear pain relief

Onion wraps are a traditional home remedy believed to offer natural relief from ear pain. Onions contain sulphur compounds and antibacterial properties that may help reduce inflammation and discomfort when applied externally.

How to make an onion wrap for earache:

  • Slice a fresh onion in half and warm it gently (do not overheat).
  • Wrap the warm onion in a clean cloth or thin towel.
  • Place the cloth-covered onion over the painful ear for 10–15 minutes while lying down.

This natural remedy may help soothe mild ear discomfort, particularly in cases linked to colds or sinus pressure. The warmth and natural compounds may aid circulation and reduce swelling.

Male audiologist adjusting hearing aid on elderly female client's ear.

The ENT Doctor and Audiologist: what's the difference?

Discover more about hearing care professionals ENT Doctors and Audiologists

Learn more

Treating an Ear Infection at Home

When dealing with a mild ear infection, home care can play an important role in managing symptoms and preventing complications. Here are some effective tips for treating an ear infection at home:

  • Pain relief: Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Keep the ear dry: Avoid getting water in the ear while bathing or showering to prevent worsening the infection.
  • Natural oils: Garlic oil or tea tree oil, when used cautiously, have antimicrobial properties that may help in early stages (consult a GP before use).
  • Monitor symptoms: Keep an eye on fever, discharge or worsening pain, which may indicate the need for antibiotics.

If symptoms do not improve within 48 hours or worsen, seek medical advice promptly. Children, in particular, may need professional care sooner.

Book an appointment at one of our centers

Home Remedies for Earache in Kids

Earaches are common in children and often occur alongside colds or minor infections. While it’s important to consult a GP if your child has a high fever or persistent pain, there are several home remedies for earache in kids that can offer quick relief:

  • Warm compress: Gently apply a warm (not hot) flannel to the child’s ear for 10–15 minutes to soothe pain and reduce pressure.
  • Keep them upright: Encourage your child to sit up or sleep slightly elevated, as lying flat can increase ear pressure.
  • Plenty of fluids: Staying hydrated helps thin mucus and supports drainage from the middle ear.
  • Distraction and comfort: Activities like reading, colouring, or watching a film can help take their mind off the discomfort.

Avoid inserting anything into your child’s ear, including drops or oils, unless advised by a doctor. If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or are accompanied by fever, vomiting or discharge, seek medical attention.

Ear pain: what to do in young ears?

Ear pain is common in children. However, since they are more sensitive than adults, some home remedies for ear pain in children need  caution. For example,  essential oils contained in mustard irritate the skin, which is why they should only be used sparingly.  Onion wraps offer a gentle way to treat earache in toddlers. The warmth of a  lukewarm cherry stone pillow also helps. Children often do not want the ear that hurts to be touched. In this case, a  red light lamp can help, which warms the ear from a distance. However, this type of treatment may only take place under the supervision of adults. If there is suspicion of  otitis media, an  ENT doctor should be consulted to clarify the causes and explain treatment options to parents.

Otitis media: which home remedies help?

Children between the ages of six months and six years are particularly often affected by otitis media. The reason for this is, among other things, their  short ear trumpet, which swells when there is inflammation, which means that  pressure equalization and the outflow of liquids cannot take place as usual. But adults can also be affected by the spontaneously occurring disease. The use of a red light lamp and onions have proven themselves as home remedies for middle ear infections. But even a drained and cooled  chamomile tea bag has an anti-inflammatory effect.

Earache: when to see a doctor?

If the ears are inflamed and no home remedies help, it may be time to go to the doctor with earache. In the case of  long-lasting pain, suspected otitis media or injuries, a visit to the doctor is imperative. This clarifies the cause of the earache and gives advice on relief. If infants or young children are affected by ear pain, parents should consult their doctor.
Take a free hearing test from the comfort of your home. Take the online test.

Home remedies for stuffy ears and ear pressure

If there is pressure on the ears, home remedies help to clean the ear. If the ears are closed, this is usually due to too much ear wax, a cold or an inflamed ear canal. Those affected can rinse their ears with lukewarm salt water. A steam bath with chamomile also releases the ear pressure. In case of an ear canal infection, onions, chamomile tea and warmth help as a home remedy for blocked ears.

Home remedies for earache due to cold

A cold can lead to blocked sinuses and ear pain. Try:

  • Steam inhalation
  • Saline nasal spray
  • Drinking hot fluids like herbal teas

FAQs on Home Earache Remedies UK

Can I use hydrogen peroxide for an earache?

Yes, but only a 3% solution and never if your eardrum is perforated. Use with caution and only after medical advice.

What are safe home remedies for earache during pregnancy?

Stick to non-invasive methods like warm compresses and hydration. Avoid over-the-counter ear drops unless approved by a doctor.

Can a sinus infection cause ear pain?

Yes, sinus drainage can block the Eustachian tubes and lead to earache. Steam inhalation and saline sprays can help.
An elderly man with an Amplifon professional performing a hearing test.

Other questions? Come and visit us

Book an appointment and come and visit us at one of our Amplifon centers, our hearing care professionals will be ready to answer any of your curiosities about the world of hearing.

Previous
Next

News & Blog

Catch up on the latest news and stories on hearing health.
Learn more

Get support and advice

Book a free hearing test

Book now

Test your hearing online

Take the test

Find your nearest store

Find a store