What you can do at home

To treat the pain, you can use painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen , which you can buy over the counter.Children under the age of16shouldn't take aspirin.

Placing a warm flannel against the affected ear may also help relieve the pain.

Your pharmacist may be able to recommend over-the-counter eardrops for your earache. Tell them about your symptoms and ask for their advice first.

Find a pharmacy near you .

Eardrops or olive oil drops shouldn't be used if your eardrum has burst (a perforated eardrum ), andin treating an ear infection.

It's important to avoid getting the affected ear wet if you have an ear infection.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018