Ear Pain Relief Techniques for Patients in Michigan

Ear pain is something no one wants to experience. It can feel like a dull, sharp, or burning pain that comes on either gradually or suddenly. Ear pain is more common in children, but adults can also experience it in one or both ears. It’s typically caused by an infection of the middle ear, a blockage, dental problems, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), or other related health conditions. Fortunately, you can try several ear pain relief techniques, from over-the-counter pain relievers to warm compresses.

Below, the hearing experts at Hear Michigan Centers discuss the most effective ways to relieve ear pain for patients throughout Michigan. While a specialist should diagnose some ear pain occurrences due to possible underlying causes, several different soothing ear pain treatments are available to get relief. Contact our hearing experts today to learn more about maintaining excellent ear health.

Common Causes of Ear Pain

Experiencing ear pain is a common complaint in the world of healthcare, especially among children. It’s typically caused by an infection of the middle or outer ear, but other common causes of ear pain can include: 

• Changes in atmospheric pressure (flying on a plane, driving at higher elevations, etc.)
• An object stuck in the ear canal 
• An injury to your ear or eardrum
• Earwax buildup that causes impaction

Ear pain can also arise from issues occurring in other parts of your body, such as:

• Pain from an infection near the ear, such as sinusitis or tonsillitis
• Problems with the jaw joint (TMJ)
• Dental problems, such as an infection or grinding your teeth

When Should I See a Doctor for Ear Pain?

In some situations, ear pain is caused by a more severe health condition. It’s important to see your doctor if:

• Your ear pain doesn’t go away or gets worse
• You have fluid leaking from your ear
• You feel sick or have a fever
• You’re experiencing hearing loss with ear pain
• You have diabetes or a compromised immune system
• Your child under two years of age is experiencing ear pain

OTC Ear Pain Relief

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments are a great first step when relieving ear pain. OTC pain relievers, ear drops, and cold and allergy medications, including Tylenol (acetaminophen) and Advil (ibuprofen), are often a go-to treatment for ear pain. These medications, along with antihistamines and decongestants, can relieve minor discomfort and inflammation associated with earaches.

Home Remedies for Ear Discomfort

Some natural ear pain remedies you can try at home include:

• Holding a warm washcloth or heating pad up to the side of your ear
• Taking OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen
• Running a humidifier to increase moisture in the air which can help relieve irritated sinuses
• Holding a warm compress to an ear that’s blocked with earwax buildup to help it melt and drain
• Sleeping with your head resting on two or more pillows

What to Avoid When You Have Ear Pain

If you have an injury to your eardrum, it’s important to avoid using over-the-counter ear drops or olive oil to relieve the pain. It’s also essential to avoid using cotton swabs to clean your ears while experiencing ear pain.

Protecting Your Ears

Beyond keeping your ears clean and scheduling regular hearing evaluations with your provider, follow these tips to protect them and ensure good hearing health for years to come:

• Avoid inserting small objects into your ears. Anything smaller than the tip of your elbow can cause injury to your eardrum or earwax impaction.
• Avoid exposure to loud sounds and always wear proper hearing protectionin noisy environments.
• Take frequent breaks from using your headphones.
• Refrain from turning up the volume too much, whether you’re listening to the radio in your car or watching television.
• Dry out your ears after swimming or showering to prevent swimmer’s ear.
• When cleaning your ears, you should use a clean washcloth to wipe only the outside of the ear.
• Monitor your hearing when using certain medications. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any differences in your ability to hear, experience balance issues, or hear ringing in your ears.
• See your doctor when you notice sudden ear pain, experience hearing loss, or sustain an ear injury.

Achieve Good Ear Health With Hear Michigan Centers

Ear pain can often be treated at home using OTC pain relievers, decongestants, antihistamines, and ear drops. Home remedies like cold or warm compresses, humidifiers, essential oils, and stretching exercises can help bring you relief.See your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis if your ear pain persists or worsens. Prescription ear drops, oral antibiotics, or specialized treatments may be needed to ease your symptoms.

At Hear Michigan Centers, our hearing experts have years of experience providing comprehensive hearing care services throughout Michigan. We’re passionate about helping our patients hear the world around them more clearly, from providing them with custom hearing protection solutions to treating their tinnitus. Contact us today to learn more about relieving ear pain, or schedule an appointmentonline for acomprehensive hearing evaluation.