If you have a baby under 6 months of age and you suspect they have an earache, call your pediatrician right away. Ear infections can be more serious in young babies. [2] X Research source Some types of ear infection, such as swimmer’s ear or a severe middle or inner ear infection, might require treatment with antibiotics to clear up. If you have severe ear pain, or if it lasts longer than 2 days, get your ear evaluated by a doctor to determine the right treatment.
If you use an electric heating pad, set it on low. Don’t use a heating pad on a child’s ear. [4] X Research source With a warm compress, you might feel earwax trickle out of your ear. It’s normal for the wax to melt when you expose it to heat. Don’t use ice or heat on your skin for longer than 20 minutes at a time. [5] X Research source
Don’t give any painkillers containing aspirin to a child or a teenager. These medications can cause a rare, potentially fatal condition called Reye’s syndrome in kids. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Don’t use a pillow to prop up a baby’s head. If your child is under 2 and has an earache, try holding them propped upright in your lap or arms until they calm down. [9] X Research source
Avoid using decongestants that contain antihistamines unless your doctor specifically recommends them. Antihistamines can sometimes make an ear blockage worse.
Steer clear of home remedies, like putting garlic or olive oil in your ear. These treatments probably won’t help with an ear infection, and they could make any damage to your eardrum worse.
If you suspect the earache is being caused by a buildup of earwax or some other kind of blockage, see your doctor. They can safely remove the blockage for you. [14] X Research source
Ear infections are the most common cause of earaches, but there can be other causes as well. For instance, your pain might be due to an injury in your ear canal, swimmer’s ear, an earwax blockage, or referred pain from a problem in your jaw or throat. [16] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Depending on what’s causing your earache, your doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics, eardrops, or some other type of medication. If you think your baby or child has an earache, call their doctor for advice right away. Depending on your child’s age and their symptoms, they might advise you to try home treatments or ask you to come in for a checkup. [17] X Research source
If you are caring for someone with an earache and they are very weak or unable to move, call emergency services or take them to the emergency room immediately. [19] X Research source They may have a more serious underlying condition, such as meningitis due to a pneumococcal infection. [20] X Research source
If you experience side effects, call your doctor and ask them what to do. They may be able to prescribe a different medication. If you stop taking the medication too soon, your ear infection could come back or get worse. Don’t take antibiotics to treat an earache unless your doctor prescribes them.
