Heat Treatment

• Treating an ear infection with heat relieves pain and reduces pressure within the ear. Place warm water in a water bottle and cover with a towel. Place the water bottle against the painful ear and keep it there until the water has cooled or relief occurs. A heating pad set to low may be used if you check the skin frequently to make sure the heat is not damaging the skin. Homemade heat packs made with rice or salt can be warmed in the microwave until they are warm but not hot, and then applied to the ear. If ear pain is accompanied by a fever, consult a physician to determine the course of treatment.
  
  

Onion Compress

• Cut an onion into quarters. Take one quarter of the onion and chop into small pieces. Place the chopped onion into a frying pan without oil and heat over low heat for one minute. Place the warmed onion in a piece of gauze or cloth and tie it to keep the onion inside. Press the onion against the ear, but not in the ear and allow the compress to remain against the skin for 10 minutes. An onion compress relives pain and pressure that has built up in the ear. If the earache is accompanied by a fever, consult a physician.
  
  

Over-the-Counter Ear Drops

• Purchase analgesic ear drops from a pharmacy to use for painful ear infections. Prior to use, consult a physician because using ear drops on a ruptured ear drum can cause damage. Analgesic ear drops relieve pressure in the ear, which reduces pain. Follow manufacturer instructions for ear drop dosage and application.
  
  

Ear Candles

• Ear candles are cones of wax that are placed into the ear and then lit. They are marketed as a way to relieve ear pain, however the United States Food and Drug Administration has found that ear candles do not improve symptoms. Using ear candles is dangerous due to the risk of burns from the fire or burns from hot wax dripping into the ear.
  
  

Homeopathic Treatments

• Homeopathic treatments include a variety of treatments using plant and natural substances placed into the ear, for example using oils to relieve earaches. The Mayo Clinic suggests that there is not enough research to support the use of homeopathic treatments for ear infections. The FDA does not regulate these treatments.