Ear Drops

Using olive oil to irrigate your ears is a relatively safe, drug-free practice. It can, however, cause side effects like itching, irritation, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), an unpleasant taste in the mouth, temporary loss of hearing or general discomfort. Rest assured, these side effects won’t effect everyone.

The best way to clean your ears is with a damp washcloth - but you can also apply a few drops of olive oil or sodium bicarbonate drops into your ear to soften the wax and allow it to fall out on its own.

Cotton swabs are fine to clean your outer ear, but you shouldn’t use them to clean the inside of your ear as they can cause injury and force the wax further down the ear canal.

Mild ear infections will typically clear up on their own, but you may wish to take something to relieve the pain.

Try taking an over-the-counter painkiller like ibuprofen, but be aware that this isn’t suitable for young children so always speak to your healthcare provider first.

Ear drops are another useful option, like hydrogen peroxide or sodium bicarbonate.

Antibiotics might be prescribed as a last resort if the infection doesn’t get better after three days; if fluid is spilling from the ear, or if you have an illness with complications like cystic fibrosis.

You don’t always need antibiotics to relieve earache - sometimes, home remedies can be just as effective.

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help to ease pain and bring down a fever - but they’re not suitable for everyone, especially young children, so always speak to a healthcare professional first.

A warm or cold compress held up against the ear might help, or drops like hydrogen peroxide - place several drops into the ear and wait for a while, then rinse your ear with clean water.

Dabbing ginger juice or garlic oil onto a cloth and wiping it around the outer ear canal can work as a natural antibiotic due to them both having natural, anti-inflammatory properties.