Is it safe to put oil in the ear for pain?

No, not without a doctor's examination. If the eardrum is damaged or infected, oil can make things worse.

What gives quick relief from ear pain at home?

A warm compress on the outer ear, resting with the head raised and appropriate pain relief as advised by a doctor.

When should I see a doctor for ear pain?

For pain in young children, fever, discharge, hearing loss, severe pain or pain lasting more than a day or two.

Home remedies for ear pain: warm compress, upright rest and why not to put oil in the ear

Ear pain often shows up during or after a cold, a flight or a swim, and it can be intense, especially for children at night. These home remedies for ear pain — a warm compress held outside the ear, resting with the head raised, gentle steam for blocked sinuses and chewing or yawning to open the ears — offer comfort while you arrange a doctor's check.

Home remedies for ear pain: safe steps and what to avoid

The most common causes of ear pain are middle ear infection (often after a cold), outer ear infection (swimmer's ear), blocked eustachian tubes, wax, tooth or jaw problems and throat infections. Because the eardrum can be perforated without you knowing, putting anything inside the ear can do harm.

Many Indian homes warm mustard oil, garlic oil or onion juice and pour it into the ear. We don't recommend this: it can burn the ear canal, worsen infection or damage a torn eardrum. Ayurveda's karna purana (ear oiling) is done only by trained practitioners after examination.

Ingredients

A clean cloth dipped in warm water and wrung out, or a warm (not hot) water bottle wrapped in a towel
An extra pillow
A bowl of hot water for steam

How to prepare

Check the compress temperature on your inner wrist before use.

How to use

Hold the warm compress over the outer ear for 10–15 minutes; some people prefer a cool pack — use whichever feels better.
Rest or sleep with the painful ear up and head raised.
For ear pain with a blocked nose, take 5 minutes of steam and use saline nasal drops.
Chew, swallow or yawn during flights; give babies a feed during take-off and landing.

Helpful habits

Keep ears dry after bathing; tilt your head to drain water.
Don't use cotton buds, hairpins or keys to clean ears.
Treat colds and allergies early.

Precautions

Do not put oil, garlic, onion juice, breast milk or any liquid into the ear unless a doctor has examined it and advised drops.
Children with ear pain, especially under 2 years or with fever, should be seen by a doctor. Pregnant women should check before taking painkillers.
If you take other medicines, ask a pharmacist or doctor before using painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Seek care urgently for discharge or blood from the ear, sudden hearing loss, severe pain, swelling behind the ear, high fever, dizziness, facial weakness or pain after an injury.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to put oil in the ear for pain?: No, not without a doctor's examination. If the eardrum is damaged or infected, oil can make things worse.
What gives quick relief from ear pain at home?: A warm compress on the outer ear, resting with the head raised and appropriate pain relief as advised by a doctor.
When should I see a doctor for ear pain?: For pain in young children, fever, discharge, hearing loss, severe pain or pain lasting more than a day or two.