How to Use a Hot Compress for Ear Ache

An earache can be a painful and frustrating malady. It can be caused by a cold, physical trauma, bacterial infection, nerve damage, or other inner ear conditions. Despite the variety of possible causes, applying a hot compress is a fairly universal temporary remedy for earache pain. Heat soothes pain and decreases hypersensitivity, relieving your bothersome symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Small towel or chemical hot compress

Instructions

1. Create your hot compress. You may have a chemical hot compress in which you snap or shake the compress and it will immediately heat up. If you don't have a chemical compress, put a small towel in hot water for a few seconds and ring out excess water. Your compress is ready to use.

2. Apply the hot compress to the ear for a few minutes. Do not lie on your side with your affected air upward; if you lie in this position with a wet compress applied, water may seep into your inner ear and exacerbate your condition.

3. Remove the compress when you experience pain relief. If after 10 minutes the hot compress has failed to relieve your symptoms, call your doctor or consider pain medication.

Tips & Warnings

• A hot compress will relieve your earache pain but will not address the underlying cause of your earache. Talk to your physician about your condition and how to prevent future earaches.

References

• Earache remedy