Can You Treat an Ear Infection Naturally?

You may suspect you have an ear infection if you're saddled with ear pain, trouble hearing, and maybe have fluid draining from your ear. And although ear infections are more common in kids, they can affect adults, too.

There are two main types of ear infections, explains Inna Husain, MD , an ear, nose, and throat doctor in Munster, Indiana: otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, which affects the ear canal; and otitis media, an infection of the middle ear behind the eardrum. "[Otitis media] can be associated with pain and often has to do with eustachian tube dysfunction. This is a muscular tube that connects the middle ear space with the nose. So when you have a cold or allergies , this tube can be affected and that makes it harder to equalize ear pressure," Dr. Husain explains. If that happens, fluid can buildup and become infected. Both types of ear infections are traditionally treated with antibiotics . Swimmer's ear can be treated with antibiotic drops and by keeping the ear dry, while otitis media treatment requires oral antibiotics, says Husain.

In some instances, you can try certain home remedies for ear infections. But many experts including Husain advise getting an exam and diagnosis first to ensure that you have an ear infection in the first place. And keep in mind that in general, DIY ear infection remedies may do more harm than good, including causing injury, she says. It's always important to talk to your healthcare team before trying any treatments on your own. Plus, home remedies (including those touted or marketed as natural or organic) aren't necessarily safe.

Safe Home Treatments for Ear Infections

The hope with an at-home treatment is that it can help you clear up the infection without a visit to your medical provider, but many of these DIY options include putting things in your ears - and that usually isn't advisable. Before putting anything into your ears, including a homemade eardrop, you'll want to see a medical provider to make sure that your eardrum is not perforated (meaning it does not have a hole in it), says John Boyle, MD , an ear, nose, throat doctor at Wilmington Health in Wilmington, North Carolina. With that said, here are some options you can try.

Take OTC Pain Medicine

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (such as Advil) can be taken according to directions to decrease pain, says Boyle. "While these do not treat infections per se, they can help with symptoms, and a small subset of patients will resolve the infection with their immune system only," he says.

Use a Warm Compress

Warmth helps ease discomfort. Plus, the warmth can increase blood flow, which is helpful in promoting healing, says Dr. Boyle.

Drink Fluids

Just like you'd try to hydrate with water, bone broth, tea or another comforting fluid when sick with a respiratory virus, sipping on fluid can help now. "Hydration is generally important for healthy functioning of the body and, as such, can participate in fighting infections," says Boyle.

Make a Homemade Eardrop

A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can make a safe eardrop for an outer ear infection, says Boyle. This solution reduces moisture and kills bacteria and fungi. Use a couple of drops in each ear and blot the excess with a towel.

Try Hydrogen Peroxide

An ear infection is one potential symptom of an earwax blockage.

Hydrogen peroxide can be safely used, says Boyle. This liquid can help remove gunk and wax buildup. Use a few drops in each ear, allowing it to sit and break up wax, before tipping your head to drain out excess liquid, blotting with a towel.

DIY Ear Infection Solutions to Avoid

Again, just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe. In fact, some at-home remedies can make the infection worse, cause injury to ears, or delay correct treatment that can help you feel better.

Here are things you should absolutely avoid, experts say.

Ear Candling

Boyle says this poses a risk of injuring the ear. Ear candling involves placing a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the other end, with the idea that it will draw out earwax. But this can cause burns, worsen earwax impaction, or perforate your eardrum.

Herbal Drops

There are a variety of herbal ear infection remedies on the market, including natural drops that contain one or a blend of herbs, and while they may be promising when used with conventional treatments, these formulations are inconsistent and their production is not standardized, so it's not clear if they're safe to use.

In addition, many touted remedies do not have consistent studies backing up their efficacy and safety - and some of this data is conflicting or done in animals, which is not reliable for understanding the impact on human health. That includes acupuncture , osteopathy, and chiropractic treatment.

"Some of these have limited evidence supporting their use, but the evidence is not consistent, so they cannot be routinely recommended," says Boyle.

When to See a Doctor for an Ear Infection

If you have persistent ear pain for three days, see your healthcare provider, Husain recommends. "Symptoms can be very similar between otitis externa, media, ear trauma, or even wax buildup and all can cause discomfort," she says. It's important to get the right diagnosis so you can be treated appropriately.

In addition, your provider may want to rule out more serious causes. "Although the risk is low, one of the first signs of nasopharyngeal cancer can be ear fluid buildup," says Husain.

You can go to an urgent care, primary care office, or ENT office, says Boyle. For non-severe infections, you can use measures like pain relievers and warm compresses at home for 48 to 72 hours to see if that helps your symptoms. But if you have a high fever, significant pain, drainage from your ear, or a change in hearing, he recommends being seen by a provider.

Tips for Preventing Ear Infections at Home

Ear infections can't always be prevented, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.

Inspect Your In-Ear Headphones

Podcasts can be your best friend out on walks, but Husain likens them to earplugs that can cause a buildup of sweat and wax in the ear. They also prevent normal drainage, she says, and all these factors can set the stage for an infection. Make sure to clean them often and take breaks from wearing them. Same goes for earplugs; these should be cleaned after use, too. In addition, toss disposable earplugs after use, and wear a fresh pair next time.

Do Not Put Objects in Your Ears

Cotton swabs and other small objects should not go in ears, says Husain. "This can cause cuts in the ear canal, which can get infected," she says. If you're struggling with excess earwax, your provider can use a tool or suction to remove it or they may recommend medicated eardrops or softening the wax with a mineral oil, says Mayo Clinic.

Clear Congestion

If you have allergies or an upper respiratory infection, your sinuses may be congested. Introducing a "nasal regimen" can help keep your eustachian tube clear. Husain recommends using nasal saline irrigation, nasal steroid sprays, or both, depending on the cause of your symptoms.

Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits

All the things that you do to reduce the risk of illness, like washing your hands or staying away from those who are sick (to the best of your ability) can help you avoid the viruses and bacteria that cause ear infection, says Boyle.

Avoid Getting Water in Your Ears

If you get swimmer's ear often (but still want to swim), Boyle recommends using a drop of isopropyl alcohol in the ear after swimming to dry up excess water.

Ask Your Provider About Taking Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant that's available as a dietary supplement. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, short-term use of echinacea is likely safe, and it may help to "slightly" reduce your chance of catching a cold.

According to past research that looked at six clinical studies, echinacea extracts decreased the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and their complications, including ear infections.

That said, if you're having frequent respiratory tract infections, you should see your provider to evaluate you for underlying causes.

The Takeaway

Ear infections are traditionally treated with antibiotic therapy. Mild ear infections can be treated at home for 48 to 72 hours with over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen, warm compresses, and adequate hydration. If symptoms linger or get worse, you'll want to see your provider who can verify that it is an ear infection and that it's safe for you to try DIY ear infection remedies, such as homemade eardrops. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy . We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

Sources

1. Ear Infection (Middle Ear). Mayo Clinic . June 2021.
2. Earwax blockage. Mayo Clinic . July 2022.
3. Are Ear Candles a Safe Option for Removing Earwax? American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery .
4. Nathan AS et al. Complementary/Integrative Medicine for Pediatric Otitis Media. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America . October 1, 2022.
5. Earwax blockage. Mayo Clinic . July 2022.
6. Echinacea. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health . July 2020.
7. Schapowal A et al. Echinacea reduces the risk of recurrent respiratory tract infections and complications: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Advances in Therapy . March 2015.

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Jessica Lee, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jessica Lee, MD, practices general otolaryngology at Charleston ENT and Allergy in South Carolina. After several years in clinical and surgical practice, Dr. Lee wanted to learn more about the impact of nutrition, activity, and sleep on general health and ear, nose, and throat health, so she pursued additional training in integrative, lifestyle, and functional medicine topics and became board-certified in lifestyle medicine in 2021.

Her practice centers on first addressing the lifestyle causes of disease and chronic illness, with the understanding and ability to use medical and surgical care for more acute concerns. She is also the c o-founder and director of the Keto Hope Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families use the ketogenic diet as medical treatment for epilepsy
Lee enjoys cooking, strength training, reading, and spending time with friends and family. See full bio

Jessica Migala

Author

Jessica Migala is a freelance writer with over 15 years of experience, specializing in health, nutrition, fitness, and beauty. She has written extensively about vision care, diabetes, dermatology, gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, cancer, pregnancy, and gynecology. She was previously an assistant editor at Prevention where she wrote monthly science-based beauty news items and feature stories.

She has contributed to more than 40 print and digital publications, including Cosmopolitan, O:The Oprah Magazine , Real Simple, Woman's Day , Women's Health , Fitness, Family Circl e, Health , Prevention , Self , VICE, and more. Migala lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, two young boys, rescue beagle, and 15 fish. When not reporting, she likes running, bike rides, and a glass of wine (in moderation, of course).

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