Ear pain can arise from several causes. There may be an infection which starts or spreads to the ears – this is very common in young children.

Applying a warm heating pad or warm water bottle to the ear can reduce discomfort. If this doesn’t help try the opposite! Sit the sufferer with their feet in hot water (as hot as they can stand) and then apply a cold cloth to the back of the neck.

If a child seems uncomfortable when lying down, resting in an upright position may help reduce pressure in the middle ear and relieve the discomfort.

Ear pain can also be caused by rapidly descending from high altitudes (e.g. in an airplane) and can be relieved by swallowing, chewing gum, or other methods. Allowing infants to suck on a bottle during descent can help.
If a child has an earache and discomfort that is severe or lasts for longer than 2 days please seek medical advice!

A drop of oil into the ear is said by some to help – the most often recommended oil is Almond Oil although other possibilities are said to be Olive Oil, Corn Oil and Sunflower Oil.