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.
