HOME REMEDIES FOR EAR INFECTIONS

Otitis externa: This infection affects the ear canal, and is commonly known as swimmer’s ear because water exposure is a risk factor for it. Swimmer’s ear is painful, too, and tends to have more visible signs such as a swollen ear canal or pus drainage.

Otitis media: This ear infection affects the middle ear (right behind the eardrum). Middle ear infections are common in kids and tend to cause trouble hearing, fevers, and pain without much outward signs such as ear drainage or swelling.

• Ear wax
• Inflammation of the middle ear

Two home remedies for earaches

 1. Oils

Be it garlic, tea tree or olive — people swear by putting oil in the ear to help with ear infections. While garlic does have antibacterial properties, Dr. Nguyen-Huynh urges caution. If you’re using it for a middle ear infection, it won’t get to the source of the problem. And even if you do have a hole in your eardrum, there aren’t studies showing it’s safe to put garlic in there.

2. OTC numbing drops

Dr. Nguyen-Huynh recommends avoiding numbing drops. “The effect is very brief, and sometimes it does the opposite and stings the ear.”

3. Try sleeping with your head in an elevated position.

4. Take a mild pain reliever such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

5. Aspirin should not be given to children under 16, unless on the advice of a doctor.

6. Apply a warm or a cold flannel to the side of your head, see which feels best for you.