How to relieve ear infection pain: OTC ear pain relief

There’s nothing fun about an ear infection. HEAR at eosera® we care about your ears, so we put together some tips on how you can soothe ear infection pain quickly and effectively. The most important thing to remember is if symptoms persist, seek medical attention always.

Ear infections can appear suddenly, bringing sharp discomfort that disrupts daily life. About 80% of children experience at least one ear infection by age three, and many adults face them too.

Understanding the right treatment approach can make all the difference between a quick recovery and prolonged discomfort.

How to get relief from ear pain caused by an ear infection?

When ear pain strikes, fast relief becomes the top priority. Doctors and pediatricians recommend several approaches that can help manage discomfort while waiting for medical treatment. 

• Use EAR PAIN MD® for fast, relief from ear pain

The #1 doctor recommended brand of over-the-counter ear pain relief, eosera® EAR PAIN MD® and EAR PAIN MD® for Kids, offers maximum strength numbing relief with 4% lidocaine to soothe aggravated nerves. These ear drops for ear pain, which are safe and effective for kids ages two and up, will quickly soothe earaches, making it a medicine cabinet staple for parents. When your child wakes up from an earache in the night, make sure you have EAR PAIN MD® on hand.

VIDEO: Mom finds ear drops for ear pain that temporarily relieve pain on contact

• Apply a warm compress

While you’re waiting for your DoorDash delivery driver to drop off some eosera® EAR PAIN MD®, try applying a warm compress to the affected ear. The warmth helps improve blood circulation to the area, which can reduce some pain. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm (not hot) water, wring out the excess, and hold it against the ear for 10-15 minutes.

Alternating between warm and cool compresses can help reduce pain and swelling more effectively than using just one temperature alone. This method also supports circulation and soothes irritated tissue.

How to tell if I have an ear infection?

Before you start treating your ears for infection, it’s important to determine if the ear pain you’re experiencing is, in fact, caused by an ear infection.

The most common ear infection symptoms in children, according to the Mayo Clinic, are:

• Ear pain
• Tugging at an ear
• Trouble sleeping
• Crying more than usual
• Fussiness
• Trouble hearing or replying to sounds
• Loss of balance
• Fever
• Fluid coming from the ear
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

For adults, the most common ear infection symptoms are:

• Ear pain or pressure
• Fluid coming from the ear
• Trouble hearing

If these symptoms are what you, or your child, are experiencing, then it’s very possible an ear infection is to blame.

What kind of ear infection do I have?

There are three primary kinds of ear infections — outer ear infections, inner ear infections, and middle ear infections.

Outer ear infection, common referred to as swimmer’s ear, affects the ear canal. People with an outer ear infection often experience redness on the outer ear, earache, yellow or green discharge, hearing changes, fever, and itchiness. This infection typically results from water remaining in the ear after swimming or bathing, creating a moist environment where bacteria can thrive.

Inner ear infections occur frequently as a result of cold, flu, allergies, or other similar conditions cause your inner ear to become swollen. Inner ear infections often cause earaches, dizziness, balance issues, and hearing changes.

Middle ear infections, which are very common with children, often happen when the Eustachian tubes become swollen from cold, flu or allergies. Your Eustachian tubes connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, and they help drain fluid. According to a 2023 study published in Pediatrics in Review, approximately 80% of all children experience at least one episode of a middle ear infection at some point.

Do I need to go to a doctor for an ear infection?

If your symptoms are severe, you should go to the doctor, but mild cases might resolve just fine on their own.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology updated its guidelines in 2023, recommending a "watchful waiting" approach for many cases of mild to moderate ear infections in children over 6 months and adults with healthy immune systems. The report states middle ear infections are the most common reasons children are prescribed antibiotics, and in many cases, this is unnecessary.

 

The Centers for Disease Control says many doctors recommend a 2-3 day waiting period to see if ear infection symptoms will resolve on its own.

The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention if you experience:

• A fever of 102.2°F (39°C) or higher.
• Pus, discharge, or fluid coming from the ear.
• Worsening symptoms.
• Symptoms of a middle ear infection that last for more than 2–3 days.
• Hearing loss.
• If your child is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher, seek help from a healthcare provider right away.

How to prevent an ear infection

Preventing ear infections is always preferable to treating them. 

What experts recommend to prevent ear infections:

• Wash your hands regularly
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
• Receive recommended vaccines, like pneumococcal vaccine and flu shots
• Breastfeed exclusively until your baby is six months old

Another helpful way to avoid some ear infections is to make sure your ears are clean. We recommend eosera® EAR WAX MD®, our clinically-proven ear drops that break apart and dissolve ear wax in as little as one 15-minute treatment. These ear drops for ear wax impaction are safe for kids ages 2+.

Ear infection tips for children and elderly people

Children and elderly individuals often require special attention when it comes to ear infection treatment and prevention, as these demographic groups face unique challenges.

For children, ear infections are particularly common due to their anatomy. Children have shorter, more horizontal eustachian tubes, which makes it harder for fluid to drain from the middle ear. This anatomical difference is why children under five are most susceptible to middle ear infections.

When treating children with ear infections, pain management becomes especially important. Number one doctor recommended topical ear pain relief, eosera® EAR PAIN MD® for Kids, is loved by parents and pediatricians because it quickly and effectively numbs earaches for a temporary solution. It’s safe and effective for children ages 2 and up — but parents can consult their pediatrician if the child is under two.

Parents should also be aware of the potential long-term effects of recurrent ear infections. Multiple studies have linked persistent ear infections in early childhood to delayed language development due to temporary hearing loss during active infections. This is why it’s important to contact your child’s pediatrician, or an ENT specialist, if ear infections do not clear up on their own and are reoccurring.

For elderly patients, ear infections often present differently. Older adults may not experience the same intensity of pain as younger patients, which can lead to delayed diagnosis. According to an article in the International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, untreated ear infections in the elderly can sometimes lead to complications due to the infection spreading.

Medication considerations also differ for elderly patients. Many older adults take multiple medications, increasing the risk of drug interactions. It’s important for elderly patients to consult a doctor if they think they might have an ear infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my ear pain is from an infection or something else?

Ear infections typically cause a dull, throbbing pain inside the ear, often accompanied by pressure or fullness. You may also experience reduced hearing, drainage from the ear, or fever. However, ear pain can also result from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, referred pain from tooth problems, or even just trapped water or ear wax.

If pain persists for more than 24-48 hours, is severe, or is accompanied by high fever or hearing loss, consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Doctors can use an otoscope to look inside your ear and determine if an infection is present.

Can ear infections clear up without antibiotics?

Yes, many ear infections, particularly viral ones, can resolve without antibiotics. The American Academy of Otolaryngology guidelines support a "watchful waiting" approach for mild to moderate ear infections in otherwise healthy individuals over 6 months of age.

During this period (typically 48-72 hours), pain management with over-the-counter medications, such as eosera® EAR PAIN MD® is recommended. If symptoms worsen or don't improve after this period, antibiotics may be necessary. This approach helps reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and prevents antibiotic resistance.

What are the risks of untreated ear infections?

While many ear infections resolve on their own, untreated severe or persistent infections can lead to serious complications. These include temporary hearing loss, which can become permanent if infections are recurrent or severe. Spread of infection to nearby structures like the mastoid bone (mastoiditis) or inner ear can occur.

In rare cases, infections can spread to the brain, causing meningitis or brain abscesses. Children with untreated recurrent ear infections may experience speech and language development delays due to hearing impairment during critical developmental periods.

How effective are over-the-counter ear drops for infection?

Over-the-counter ear drops like eosera® EAR PAIN MD® can help provide temporary earache relief while an infection is running its course, or until antibiotics have treated the source of the infection. EAR PAIN MD® does not treat the infection itself. Consult your pediatrician for persistent ear pain, or if ear infection symptoms are severe. 

These ear drops for ear pain are safe and effective for ages 2 and up — parents should consult their pediatrician for children younger than two. If the patient has perforated ear drums, ear drops should not be used. 

Can lifestyle changes help prevent recurrent ear infections?

Yes, several lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of recurrent ear infections.

• Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke is crucial, as studies show smoking and secondhand smoke increases infection risk.
• For those with allergies, proper management with antihistamines or nasal steroids can prevent the eustachian tube dysfunction that often leads to middle ear infections.
• Breastfeeding infants for at least six months provides protective antibodies and boosts the immune system.
• Swimming with earplugs or wearing a swim cap can prevent water entry for those prone to swimmer's ear.
• Regular hand washing reduces the transmission of cold viruses that often precede ear infections.

About eosera®

A passionate woman-founded company, eosera® is a leader in the ear care industry, developing high-quality products that address ear pain, impacted ear wax, and itchy ears. Proudly made in Fort Worth, Texas. To learn more about eosera® and our ear care products, visit www.eosera.com.