It starts as a dull throb. You're trying to sleep, but every time your head hits the pillow, it feels like someone is driving a literal stake into your ear canal. Ear pain is uniquely cruel because it’s so close to your brain that you can’t think about anything else. Honestly, it’s one of those things that sends people to the ER at 3:00 AM just out of pure desperation.
But here’s the thing. Not every earache means you need a round of heavy-duty antibiotics right this second. Sometimes it’s just fluid. Sometimes it’s a bit of inflammation from a cold. So, what can you do for a ear ache when you’re stuck at home and the pharmacy is closed?
Most people go straight for the Q-tips. Stop. Don't do that. You’re likely just shoving the problem deeper or, worse, scratching the delicate skin of the ear canal, which is a fast track to an infection called otitis externa. We’re going to talk about what actually works, what’s a total myth, and when you seriously need to stop Googling and go to an urgent care clinic.
First Steps: The Basics of Pain Management
The very first thing you should reach for isn't some fancy ear drop. It’s the stuff already in your medicine cabinet. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) are generally the gold standard here. Why? Because most earaches are caused by inflammation. If you can bring the swelling down, the pressure eases.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) works too, but it doesn't fight inflammation the same way. Some people find that "stacking" or alternating them helps, but you’ve gotta be careful with dosages. Check the bottle. Don’t guess.
Heat or Cold?
This is a big debate. Some people swear by a warm compress. A warm washcloth pressed against the outer ear can soothe the area and maybe help move some of that trapped fluid. It feels good. It’s comforting.
On the flip side, some doctors—including those at the Mayo Clinic—suggest that a cold pack might actually be better for numbing the sharp, stinging pain of an outer ear infection. Try ten minutes of heat. If that doesn't do it, try an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel. Just don’t put ice directly on your skin. That’s a whole different kind of pain you don't want.
✨ Don't miss: Ankle Stretches for Runners: What Most People Get Wrong About Mobility
The Reality of Ear Drops
You’ll see a lot of over-the-counter (OTC) drops at the store. Some have homeopathic ingredients like garlic or lavender. Others have numbing agents like benzocaine.
Here is the "expert" catch: if you have a perforated eardrum—meaning a tiny hole or tear—you cannot put drops in your ear. Doing so can cause permanent damage or severe vertigo. How do you know if it’s perforated? Usually, you’ll see some fluid or blood draining out. If you see "gunk" on your pillow, skip the drops and call a professional.
If your eardrum is intact, anesthetic drops can provide a few minutes of sweet, sweet relief. But they don't cure the underlying issue. They’re just a band-aid.
Gravity Is Your Friend
Stop lying flat.
Seriously. When you lie down, the pressure in your middle ear changes. This is why kids always start screaming with ear pain in the middle of the night. If you’re wondering what can you do for a ear ache right now to get some sleep, propping yourself up with two or three pillows is the simplest move. Keeping your head elevated allows the Eustachian tubes to drain more effectively.
It's a simple physics problem. Use it to your advantage.
🔗 Read more: Can DayQuil Be Taken At Night: What Happens If You Skip NyQuil
Natural Remedies: What’s Real and What’s Dangerous?
Let’s talk about the internet's favorite: Garlic oil.
There is some evidence that garlic has antimicrobial properties. A study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine actually found that herbal ear drops containing garlic and other extracts were as effective as some anesthetic drops.
However—and this is a big however—don't just shove a clove of garlic in your ear. People do this. It gets stuck. Then a doctor has to use tiny forceps to pull out a rotting piece of produce. If you use oil, make sure it’s filtered and warm, not hot.
The Hydrogen Peroxide Myth
Some people use hydrogen peroxide to "fizz" out the wax. This is fine if the pain is caused by a massive wax blockage (impacted cerumen). It’s not so great if you have an actual infection of the middle ear, as it won’t reach the site of the problem and might just irritate the outer canal.
Why Does My Ear Even Hurt?
It helps to know what you're fighting.
- Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): This is the classic. Fluid gets trapped behind the eardrum. It’s common after a cold or an allergy flare-up.
- Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa): This is an infection of the outer canal. If it hurts when you tug on your earlobe, this is probably it.
- Pressure Changes: Flying or diving. Your ears "pop" (or fail to pop).
- Referred Pain: This is the sneaky one. Sometimes your ear is fine, but your jaw (TMJ) or a back molar is infected. The nerves are all tangled up, and your brain thinks the pain is in your ear.
When to Stop Home Treatment
Listen, I'm all for home remedies, but ears are delicate. You only get two. If you experience any of the following, you need to see a doctor immediately:
💡 You might also like: Nuts Are Keto Friendly (Usually), But These 3 Mistakes Will Kick You Out Of Ketosis
- High Fever: Anything over 102°F (38.9°C) usually indicates a more serious systemic infection.
- Hearing Loss: If things suddenly go muffled or silent, that's an emergency.
- Dizziness: True vertigo (the room spinning) means the inner ear or balance centers are affected.
- Swelling behind the ear: If the bone behind your ear feels puffy or red, it could be mastoiditis. That requires IV antibiotics and is nothing to mess with.
- It’s been 48 hours: Most viral earaches start to turn a corner within two days. If you’re still miserable after 48 hours, you likely need a prescription.
The "Wait and See" Approach
Interestingly, the American Academy of Pediatrics has actually moved toward a "watchful waiting" period for many children with earaches. Why? Because over-prescribing antibiotics has led to resistant bacteria.
A lot of earaches are viral. Antibiotics do exactly zero for viruses. If you’re an adult with a mild earache, taking an NSAID and waiting 24-48 hours is often the recommended medical advice before jumping to the pharmacy.
Preventing the Next One
Once you get over this throb, you probably want to avoid a repeat performance.
- Dry your ears. Use a hair dryer on the lowest, coolest setting after swimming.
- Manage your allergies. If your nose stays stuffy, your ears stay plugged. It’s all connected.
- Quit the smoking. Secondhand smoke is a massive trigger for ear inflammation, especially in kids.
- Chew gum on planes. It keeps those Eustachian tubes moving.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are sitting there right now wondering what can you do for a ear ache, follow this checklist:
- Take an anti-inflammatory. Check your dosage for ibuprofen or naproxen.
- Get upright. Sit in a recliner or stack pillows. Do not lie flat on the side that hurts.
- Apply a warm compress. Hold it there for 15 minutes.
- Avoid the "poking." No Q-tips, no fingers, no scratching.
- Check for drainage. If there is fluid leaking out, call your doctor’s after-hours line immediately.
- Schedule an appointment. If the pain is still 8/10 tomorrow morning, you need a professional to look at the eardrum with an otoscope.
Ear pain is exhausting. It wears you down. Be patient, manage the inflammation, and don't be afraid to seek professional help if the home remedies aren't cutting it. Your hearing is worth the trip to the clinic.