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Over-the-counter treatments (OTC) -

OTC treatments can help take the edge off pain, including pain from an ear infection. In fact, they're the recommended way to ease ear pain. 

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Pain relievers -

OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen help to relieve minor discomfort and inflammation associated with ear pain.

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Ear drops -

Ear drops can be used to dry fluid accumulation, which is associated with swimmer's ear, or to soften and remove ear wax.

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Antihistamines -

When ear pain is due to allergies that affect the sinus cavity, an antihistamine may help.

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Decongestants -

When ear pain is caused by congestion from a cold or allergies, decongestant medicines like nasal spray can help. 

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Home remedies -

Home remedies to relieve ear pain include drug-free techniques to ease congestion and pressure. 

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Change sleeping positions -

Lying flat can cause your sinuses to drain into your ear, causing pressure and pain. If you're having trouble sleeping due to ear pain, try propping your head up with a few pillows. 

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Cold compress -

A cold washcloth or ice pack can help bring temporary relief to an earache. Hold a cold compress to the outer ear for 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the pain.

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Distraction -

Keeping your mind busy can help to distract you from ear pain. Some examples include playing games, watching television, listening to music, or going for a walk. 

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Exercises -

When ear pain is caused by neck pain or TMJ, doing some neck and jaw exercises can help. For example, you can lift your shoulders up and down 10 times as if you're shrugging your shoulders. You can also slowly rotate your head in a circle.

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Heating pad -

A heating pad or hot cloth held against the ear for 15 to 20 minutes may be helpful for temporary pain relief.

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Heating pad -

When ear pain is due to a buildup of earwax, a warm compress can help to melt the wax and allow it to drain. 

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Herbal ear drops -

Traditional Chinese herbs are sometimes recommended to relieve ear pain. Herbal ear drops are made from Longdan-xiegan decoction or Shenling-baizhu powder. 

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Humidifiers -

When ear pain is due to congestion, running the humidifier can help. Humidifiers increase the moisture in the air, helping to combat dry air that can irritate the sinuses.

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Olive oil -

Olive oil is a natural lubricant that gently softens hardened ear wax. So placing a few drops of olive oil in your ear can do the trick!

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Pop your ears -

When ear pain is caused by altitude changes, chewing gum, swallowing, or yawning can help your ears pop and relieve the pressure.

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Steam -

Steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower is often recommended to relieve ear pain. The steam can help to relieve congestion and ease muscle tension, which are two common sources of ear pain.

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Tea tree oil -

Due to its antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil may help to relieve ear pain.

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Tea tree oil -

However, don't use tea tree oil directly in your ear without first diluting it in olive oil. 

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Prescription medications -

Self-care and OTC medications aren't always enough to treat ear pain. If the pain doesn't go away or gets worse, it's important to see your doctor, who may prescribe medications.

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Antibiotics -

While ear infections usually clear up on their own, infections that last longer than three days typically require oral antibiotics.

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Ear drops -

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotic ear drops that are placed directly into the ear to clear the infection.

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Specialist-driven procedures -

If you have ongoing ear pain or an ear condition that requires specialized treatment, then you'll most likely be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

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At the ENT specialist -

An ENT can run additional tests and recommend a specific procedure to relieve your ear pain. 

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Ear flushing -

Ear flushing, or ear irrigation, is a medical procedure that removes impacted earwax, debris, dead skin cells, and infected tissue from the ear canal.

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Ear flushing -

The doctor uses a syringe-like tool to insert water or a saline mixture into the ear to flush out any excess earwax.

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Microsuction -

Microsuctioning (vacuuming ear wax) is a procedure in which a doctor uses a tiny vacuum to gently dislodge and remove impacted earwax. This method is used when flushing or irrigation hasn't helped.

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Microsuction -

After the doctor has examined, they'll carefully remove the wax using suction. The process takes only a few minutes. 

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Chiropractic adjustments -

The Eustachian tubes in the ears are linked to the spine's four upper vertebrae, and a spinal misalignment can affect the tubes and cause a blockage. Therefore, chiropractic treatment is sometimes recommended for treating ear pain and preventing recurring infections.

Sources: (Health) (Verywell Health) (Cleveland Clinic) 

See also: Self-massage tips to ease aches and pains

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