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©2006 Publications International, Ltd. A common cause of earaches is changes in air pressure, such as when a plane ascends or descends.Though earaches are often overlooked, they can make the affected ear feel unbearably swollen. Despite the intense pain, earaches are rarely fatal. However, they can be serious if caused by an infection, which is why it's crucial to address them early. On this page, you will discover easy and effective home remedies for both identifying and treating earaches.
Symptoms of an Earache
Common signs of an earache or ear infection include ear pain and difficulty hearing. In young children, additional signs may be tugging or pulling at the ear, crying excessively, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss, and ear pain might sometimes signal a deeper health issue. Therefore, it's essential to consult a doctor if you experience ear pain.
Aside from infections, one of the most frequent causes of earaches is a blocked eustachian tube. This tube, a thin membrane-lined passage, connects the back part of the nose to the middle ear. Normally, swallowing causes the eustachian tube to open, equalizing the air pressure in the middle ear with the atmospheric pressure. However, this tube can become blocked, often due to a cold, sinus or throat infection, or allergies. When it happens, a vacuum forms in the middle ear, pulling the eardrum inward and stretching it painfully.
This type of earache is especially common for air travelers. As a plane ascends, the air pressure in the cabin drops, and as it descends, the pressure rises rapidly. Typically, the air in the eustachian tube adjusts on its own, but when there's congestion in the upper respiratory tract—like a stuffy nose from allergies or a cold—the tubes may not function properly. This kind of ear pain can also happen from pressure changes in elevators in tall buildings or during scuba diving.
Natural Remedies for Earaches
An earache can be a painful nuisance, affecting not just your ear but also your neck and jaw. Fortunately, there are several home remedies to help alleviate ear pain, especially those caused by the changes in air pressure during flights:
Swallow frequently. Swallowing activates the muscles that open the eustachian tube. On a plane, when the captain announces that it's time to fasten your seatbelt for landing, get ready to swallow. Swallowing often can help relieve earache discomfort temporarily until you can see a doctor.
Keep chewing. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can help you swallow more frequently, so pop one in your mouth just before the plane begins its descent.
Don't hold back a yawn. Yawning is a natural way to open the eustachian tube and relieve ear pressure.
Stay awake. If you're asleep, you won't be swallowing, so ask a flight attendant or your seatmate to wake you up before the plane starts to descend.
Pinch your nose. If your ears are still blocked as the plane lands, the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery recommends this method: Pinch your nostrils shut with your thumb and forefinger, then use your other hand's forefinger to press the opening of the unaffected ear. With your mouth closed, gently try to blow out through the pinched nostrils, using the same force you would to blow your nose. Repeat if needed. You should hear a crack or pop, and the discomfort should ease. Do not attempt this if you have a sore throat, fever, or symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, as the infection might be pushed into your ears. Avoid this technique if you have heart or circulatory conditions.
Prepare for relief. Frequent travelers may want to keep a decongestant pill or nasal spray on hand to use about an hour before landing. These can shrink the nasal passages, helping to keep the eustachian tube open. However, decongestants aren't suitable for everyone. If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, thyroid issues, or are pregnant, it's best to avoid them. People prone to anxiety should also stay away. If you have allergies or sinus issues, taking your medication at the start of the flight can help minimize ear pain.
Consider taking the train. If you still experience a painful, stuffy feeling after flying, you might want to opt for land travel next time instead of flying.
Home Remedies for Children's Earaches
©2006 Publications International, Ltd. Ear infections can be more difficult to identify in infants compared to adults.Ear infections are the second most common ailment among children, right after the common cold. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that most children will experience at least one ear infection by the time they turn three. If you suspect your child has an earache, look out for these signs according to the AAP:
- Pain. Younger children may become irritable, cry, or be unusually fussy due to pain.
- Loss of appetite.
- Difficulty falling asleep.
- Fever ranging from 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Ear drainage. Watch for foul-smelling fluid, either yellow or white, sometimes with a hint of blood.
- Hearing problems.
No matter your age, earaches are unpleasant. While most earaches will resolve in a few days, the pain and pressure can make those days feel endless. Now that you understand what an earache is and how to recognize one, don't hesitate to try our home remedies to ease the discomfort.
If you found this article helpful, you might also like to explore these additional resources:
- Discover everything you need to know about ear health in How to Care for Your Eyes.
- Earaches are typically caused by infections and are rarely serious. Learn to create herbal remedies to treat them in Herbal Remedies for Earaches.
- If your child suffers from recurrent ear infections, check out How to Prevent Middle Ear Infections.
- If swimming leads to ear infections, read up on How to Prevent Swimmer's Ear.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ivan Oransky, M.D., is the deputy editor of The Scientist. He is the author or co-author of four books, including *The Common Symptom Answer Guide* (McGraw-Hill, 2004), and has contributed to publications like the *Boston Globe*, *The Lancet*, and *USA Today*. He holds positions as a clinical assistant professor of medicine and as an adjunct professor of journalism at New York University.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTORS:
Alice Lesch Kelly is a health writer based in Boston. Her work has been featured in publications such as Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Woman's Day, Reader's Digest, Eating Well, and Health. She has co-authored three books on women's health. This content is intended for informational purposes only. IT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither the Editors of Consumer Guide (R), Publications International, Ltd., nor the author or publisher assume responsibility for any outcomes from following the advice in this content. Publication of this material does not constitute medical practice, nor does it replace professional advice from your healthcare provider. Always consult with your physician or healthcare provider before starting any treatments or changes to your health routine.
Sometimes, issues in other areas of the head and neck can trigger pain in the ear, known as referred pain. This happens when the source of the pain is elsewhere in the body, but it's felt in the ear. That’s why it's important to have ear pain assessed by a doctor. According to otolaryngologists (ENT specialists), the most common causes of referred ear pain are the "five Ts": tongue, teeth, tonsils, throat, and the temporomandibular (jaw) joint.
If you experience sudden, sharp ear pain following an event like an explosion or a scuba diving accident, you may have a perforated eardrum.
Though the pain may subside after the incident, it's crucial to have the injury examined by a specialist to prevent long-term damage to the middle ear. Most eardrum perforations from injuries are small and will heal on their own within a few weeks, as long as infections in the middle ear are avoided or treated (which is why seeing a doctor is essential). Larger perforations might require surgery.
