Ever noticed a sharp and stabbing pain in the ear? Such earaches can cause persistent or temporary discomfort, making working, engaging in daily tasks, and even sleeping difficult. The ache can be the result of an existing condition, infection, or even changes in air pressure. While consulting a licensed healthcare professional and seeking treatment is crucial to determine the precise cause and relieve the pain, one may also benefit from a few home remedies.

Causes
An earache is a discomfort or pain in the ear that occurs when either of your three ear sections—the outer, middle, or inner ear—is affected. The condition can appear suddenly, catching you unaware, or gradually, depending on the underlying cause. While it’s not always easy for someone to pinpoint what’s causing the earache, your symptoms might provide an indication. Common earache causes are:

• Accumulation of earwax
• Viral infections like flu or cold
• Infection in the inner ear region or ear canal
• Injury to the ear
• Sore throat or tonsillitis
• Dental abscess

How do you stop an earache at home?
Earache often disappears on its own, especially if it’s a symptom of a minor infection, like a common cold. But if the root cause is severe, like infection or injury to the ear, the problem calls for immediate expert attention.

If you’re wondering how to stop an earache at home, here are a few remedies to try after consulting a doctor:

Heating pads or heating compress
The heat from a heating pad or hot compress can relieve the pain and inflammation in the ear. Apply a warm pad to the painful area in the ear for 20 minutes. You can also apply it to the throat and neck areas for better results. Ensure the heating pad isn’t too hot, and avoid falling asleep with the pad touching your skin.

Cold packs
A cold compress can proactively relieve the earache. To try this remedy, wrap some ice cubes in a paper towel and hold it against the painful area of the ear for 20 minutes. Ensure the cold temperature of the pack doesn’t hurt the skin. You may alternate between a hot and cold compress (a hot pack for 20 minutes followed by an ice pack for 20 minutes) for long-term relief.

Pay attention to your sleeping position
If the swelling or inflammation in your ear affects your sleep, you’ll find yourself switching your sleeping position every few minutes. Sleeping on the side opposite to the affected ear will allow you to rest better while relieving the pressure. You can also prop up two or more pillows to decrease the pressure on the ear.

Garlic
Garlic is among the most effective spices to ease earaches. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling inside and outside the ear canal and relieve congestion to decrease pain. You can eat raw garlic cloves to relieve the pain or apply garlic oil to the affected area. Another option is to heat three garlic cloves, mash them with salt, place the mixture in a cotton cloth, and apply it to the painful ear region.

Cloves
Cloves also play a vital part in relieving earaches. Its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties help treat ear infections and soothe earaches. To prepare the remedy, sauté a clove with a teaspoon of sesame oil. Once the mixture boils, allow it to cool down and filter the oil. Put one or two drops of the warm oil in the painful area and repeat it for a few days for the best results.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is an essential oil that may serve as an excellent natural remedy to stop your earache trouble. Mix a drop of this oil with another oil of your choice (olive, coconut, or sesame oil) and pour one or two drops into your painful ear. The oil’s powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties relieve the discomfort and pain in the ear.

Hydration
Most of our body is made up of water, so staying hydrated is vital for overall health and wellness. Water can help prevent the building up of mucus in the inner ear region. It can also loosen up the mucus or wax inside the ear canal.

Ear drops
If you want to stop inner ear pain, ear drops could be helpful. They’re easily available and can treat inflammation and infections in the inner ear region. That said, you must use drops after consulting a healthcare professional.

Massage
In most people, earache radiates through the neck, jaw, and teeth. Massaging the area around the ear and below the neck in a circular motion with mild pressure can relieve pain.

Earache can be a sharp, burning, throbbing, or dull pain affecting one or both ears. Remember, the remedy you choose to stop an earache should target the condition’s cause. Also, don’t forget to check every remedy for allergic reactions. If the earache lasts more than three to four days, even after following the appropriate remedies, it’s best to seek professional help.