Last updated on March 4th, 2025 at 04:33 pm

Few things are more distressing than seeing your child in pain, and earaches are a common culprit. If your little one is tugging at their ear, feeling extra fussy and having trouble sleeping, or not responding to quiet sounds as usual, an earache could be the reason.

While earaches are a frequent reason for doctor visits, they’re usually not serious. It’s important to know ways to ease the discomfort at home, how to clean and care for ears, and when to seek medical care.

Ask a Doctor

Earaches are usually not a sign of a serious condition, but certain earache symptoms warrant a doctor’s visit. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should reach out to your child’s doctor if:

• The pain is severe or lasts more than three days.
• Your child has a fever of 103 degrees or higher.
• There is ear drainage, redness, or swelling around or behind the ear.
• Your child is under 2 years old and has pain in both ears.
• Your child seems unusually lethargic or generally unwell.

Many earaches are mild and can be managed at home, but it’s important to monitor all symptoms and know when to seek medical care. If you are looking for a more holistic approach to earache treatment, contact the American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH), The Center for Education and Development of Clinical Homeopathy (CEDH), or Homeopathy Help Now (HHN) to find a homeopath who can help.

Simple Solutions

If the above symptoms are not present, there are several ways you can provide for the discomfort of earaches with these at-home remedies for earaches. Applying a cold or warm compress to the outer ear for 20 minutes can help — cold reduces pain and inflammation, while warmth relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. Let your child choose which feels better.

Keeping your child’s head elevated may also relieve pressure, and chewing can help ease both pain and pressure in the ear.

Ear Care Basics

Earache causes vary and they aren’t always preventable, but a few simple habits can help reduce the risk. Avoid inserting objects into the ear, even for cleaning. Ears are generally self-cleaning, and cotton swabs often push wax deeper into the ear canal. Dry ears thoroughly with a soft cloth after bathing or swimming to prevent trapped moisture. And avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible, as it can irritate the Eustachian tube.

These simple solutions and ear care maintenance tips are great for when an earache can be treated at home, but make sure to keep an eye out for symptoms that indicate a more serious condition and seek help accordingly.