Ear infections are one of those things we only know about when they’re knocking on our door, and when they do, they make an entrance in the most inopportune ways imaginable. And trust me, once they’re in there, you don’t want them sticking around any longer than they need to. These five home ear infection remedies will provide you with relief you’ve been looking for so that you can once again hear the world without pains, aches, or the all-encompassing urge to “pop” your ear.
What Really Triggers an Ear Infection?
Let us first try to understand why ear infections happen before we move on to the solution. The ear is a delicate organ; when it gets infected, the entire universe seems to be out to get you. These infections occur, in the most straightforward terms, when viruses or bacteria attack the ear canal. They usually aim the flu, a common cold, or a sinus infection, when mucus and fluid can be heard flowing from throat to ear, via the Eustachian tube.
Now set this into context: You’re standing waiting to board a plane, sitting there, and then all of a sudden your ear is like it’s hosting its own pop concert. You try to “pop” it, and zip. Surprise. The pressure of flying will do the same thing—push bacteria into your ear canal and into infection. And if you swim every day, water gets stuck in your ear and becomes the exact same bacterial hideout. Swell, it’s a terrible life for your poor ear, isn’t it?
How Can You Clear Your Ear without Losing Your Sanity?
Now that we have a sense of what’s going on in your ear, let’s talk about curing the issue without extremes. If you’re wondering whether you’ll be making a doctor’s appointment, don’t worry—most of these ear infections can be cured at home with good remedies. While the remedies from ent Los Angeles are no magic pill cure, they can soothe and let your body heal itself.
1. Is Warm Compress the Hero You’ve Been Waiting For?
A warm compress is where it starts, then. I know you’re already curious; so let’s settle your mind. A little bit of heat on the infected ear will work some magic to relieve the pressure and the pain. No equipment at all—you just need clean cloth and warm water. Soak the cloth in hot not warm water, squeeze as hard as possible and put it into your infected ear for 10-15 minutes.
It’s a warm hug for your ear but without the humiliation. Heat dilates blood vessels, and that does the trick for curing as well as deflating puffiness. Not only does it stop the misery, but it’ll settle you down enough to have a wonderful episode of Netflix as the heat works its magic trick.
2. Should You Use Over-the-Counter Ear Drops?
Ear drops are seen advertised in nearly every pharmacy; do they work? They do, in a way, and if I were to give you ear drops as a prescription, they would very likely be your new best friend when dealing with an ear infection! Ear drops might be a good guy working overtime (or, in the case of over-the-counter drops, under-the-counter) in the fight against ear infection symptoms.
These ear drops likely have soothing ingredients such as glycerin or hydrogen peroxide. Simply open the package, and don’t use ear drops if you believe you have a perforated eardrum. If you haven’t even heard of such a thing, it’s a hole in your eardrum, and ear drops in such a case would actually be painful rather than helpful. Always just go go get checked out by a doctor if you’re not sure.
Ear drops are quick, cheap, and simple—just be sure to always use them for a few days. If you’re not getting better with them, or otherwise your ailment is in fact worse, then it’s probably time to head on over to your doctor.
3. Can Apple Cider Vinegar Save Your Ear
Apple cider vinegar is the Swiss Army knife of the naturopath. Seriously, it’s myth material. Not only can you add it to your salad, but it also possesses antifungal and antibiotics for ear infection. Apple cider vinegar is one of those things other folks say will cure infections of the ears.
How do I apply it? Easy. Combine equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water and just soak a cotton ball in it. Put the cotton ball in your ear (not too far in!) and let it stay for a few minutes. Vinegar is able to get the ear’s pH back to normal and render your ear a bacterium-unfriendly home. Do this, but never pour apple cider vinegar into your ear, and don’t even attempt this treatment if you have a perforated eardrum.
And, in all honesty, the smell of vinegar will make you act like you are filming for a cooking program, but if the ear is better, so be it.
4. What About The Magic of Garlic Oil?
Garlic—garlic, for goodness’ sake—is not merely for warding off the vampires or a sprinkle of taste for your spaghetti. The common kitchen staple has been employed for thousands of years as an infection remedy.
To make garlic oil, mince one clove of garlic and gradually warm it up in olive oil. Let it cool down before straining and dropping a couple of drops of the mixture in the infected ear using a dropper. You may even place the oil over the outer ear, if you’re adventurous enough, to assist with swelling minimization.
Now I can visualize what you must be thinking—garlic in the ear? But hey, it’s not such a bad idea, and even if something else, at least you’ll smell nice afterward.
Why Not Just Try This Simple Solution
To some, it is simplicity. Gravity can be your friend with an ear infection. Lying on the side of illness with the infected ear facing downwards in some people can work in draining the ear. The concept here is that gravity will draw out excess fluid from the middle ear, thereby reducing pressure.
It will not suddenly happen overnight, but it’s not something to try to do. It also provides a very good excuse for a nice long nap while the pressure of the ear heals itself. Who wouldn’t like to take a nap?
When Can You Go to a Doctor about Your Ear Infection?
Although home remedies might just do a wonderful thing and ease pain, ear infection sometimes does need a visit to the doctor. If you have tried these remedies for a few days and didn’t get any relief from pain, or if the pain is increasing, it’s time to consult a doctor.
Also, if you experience any of the following, you simply must go see the doctor immediately:
- Severe ear pain or throbbing
- Fluid draining from your ear (especially if bloody or smelling)
- Fever
- Difficulty hearing
Untreated infection in advanced stages can lead to serious complications, such as hearing loss or infection of the surrounding structures, such as the skull. So don’t delay having it examined.
Conclusion
Ear infections don’t have to run your life. Obviously, I can’t promise that the following treatments will work for everyone or even for every type of ear infection. But the remedies listed here have worked for a good number of people. They’re mostly home remedies, so they’re free or low-cost. Your ear is worth the very best that your physician has to offer.