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

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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.