Pain in the ear can occur for a variety of reasons. It may be a sign of an ear infection or other medical issue.
The pain can be mild, sporadic or severe and can last for several days. It can be dull or sharp and be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a headache, fever, dizziness, hearing loss and pus or fluid coming from the ear.
There are a few things you can do at home to ease your ear pain, including applying an ice pack and using an over-the-counter eardrop. But if the pain doesn't go away, you should see your doctor.
TMJ issues: The "hinge" of the jaw, called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), can cause ear pain. This can happen for a number of reasons, including grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw. To treat this condition, try over-the-counter pain medicines and a mouth guard at night to relieve pressure on the TMJ.
Neck exercises: Rotating your neck can help reduce pressure on the ear canal and make it easier to sleep. It also can help you avoid ear infections caused by a buildup of earwax.
Garlic: This plant has antimicrobial, antiseptic, fungicidal and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying crushed fresh garlic cloves around the ear can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Olive oil: Applying a few drops of olive oil to the affected ear can help relieve discomfort and prevent ear infections from occurring.
