Otitis usually manifests with pain, a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear, hearing loss, and sometimes ringing. In more severe cases, body temperature may rise and there may even be discharge from the ear. The main cause of inflammation is often infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal.
When ear pain appears, it’s essential not to ignore it. The ear is a delicate organ directly connected to the throat and sinuses, so inflammation can spread quickly. If left untreated or treated incorrectly, ear infections can lead to serious complications such as hearing loss, chronic tinnitus, or even meningitis. That’s why consulting an ear, nose, and throat specialist is strongly recommended at the first sign of pain or discomfort.
Doctors generally distinguish between acute and chronic otitis. Acute otitis develops suddenly and is characterized by sharp, intense pain, often following a cold or sinus infection. Chronic otitis progresses slowly and typically causes persistent ringing and gradual hearing loss rather than acute pain.
In children, middle-ear infections are especially common. The disease often begins with a simple upper respiratory infection — a cold or sore throat — and suddenly progresses to ear pain, high fever, and reduced hearing. Children are more vulnerable because their Eustachian tubes, which connect the ear to the throat, are shorter and more horizontal than in adults, allowing bacteria and mucus to travel more easily to the middle ear.
If ear pain appears unexpectedly, the first step is to gently place a small piece of cotton soaked in camphor alcohol into the outer ear canal (not deep inside!) and visit a specialist as soon as possible. This can help relieve discomfort and prevent further infection until professional care is available.
If the pain persists for several hours and has a pulsating or piercing character, especially after a recent cold, it may indicate middle-ear inflammation. In other cases, ear pain might stem from external causes, such as a purulent (infected) outer ear canal, an insect bite, an injury, or a foreign object.
Short, mild ear discomfort can also occur during airplane travel, when using high-speed elevators, or after exposure to cold or wind — these are often harmless and resolve on their own. However, when the pain is persistent or accompanied by fever, swelling, or discharge, medical attention is essential.
If calling a doctor immediately isn’t possible, you can take temporary steps to ease pain and inflammation. For pain relief, give the person aspirin, ibuprofen, or paracetamol (Panadol) according to age and dosage instructions to help lower fever and relieve pain.
You can also prepare a gentle warming compress around the ear: fold a piece of gauze several times and cut a small hole in the center to fit around the ear, soak the gauze in warm water or camphor alcohol, wring it out slightly, and place it around the ear (not over the opening). Cover it with a layer of wax paper or plastic wrap, then a layer of cotton wool. Each subsequent layer should be about 2–3 centimeters wider than the previous one. Secure everything with a bandage around the head and leave the compress on for 2–4 hours. It’s best to remove it at night before sleeping. Avoid plugging the ear canal tightly with cotton — this can trap moisture and worsen the infection.
For ear pain and ringing, try three drops of pure lemon juice directly into the ear, three times total (once daily for three days). This simple folk method has been recorded in old herbal medicine books, including ancient “Karabadini” remedies. According to anecdotal evidence, lemon juice helps disinfect the ear, balance internal pH, and dissolve earwax buildup, easing discomfort and mild inflammation.
One woman shared that her husband used to suffer from ringing and ear pain, and after using this method, two years passed without pain; even her elderly mother was cured. While such stories are encouraging, remember that natural remedies should complement, not replace, medical treatment.
The idea behind these home-based methods lies in their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and circulation-boosting effects. Camphor alcohol acts as a natural antiseptic and mild pain reliever, warm compresses stimulate blood flow around the ear, helping the body’s immune system fight infection more effectively, and lemon juice contains vitamin C and antimicrobial compounds that may help neutralize bacteria or fungi in minor cases.
Even if pain subsides, it’s crucial to see a doctor within two weeks of starting treatment — sooner if the symptoms persist or worsen. Contact a doctor immediately if you notice persistent or increasing pain, fever that doesn’t go down, fluid or pus leaking from the ear, dizziness, nausea, or sudden hearing loss. In such cases, professional evaluation and possible antibiotic or antifungal treatment are necessary. Delaying care can result in permanent hearing damage or spreading infection.
To protect your ears and reduce the risk of otitis in the future:
Avoid inserting foreign objects (cotton swabs, fingers, etc.) into your ears.
Dry your ears gently after bathing or swimming.
Treat colds and sinus infections promptly.
Keep ears warm in windy or cold weather.
Strengthen your immunity through a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E.
Ear pain is more than just discomfort — it can be a warning sign of deeper inflammation or infection. While natural and home-based remedies such as lemon juice drops, camphor alcohol, and warm compresses can help relieve symptoms, they should always be used alongside medical guidance, especially in children or people with chronic ear problems.
By combining traditional care with modern medical advice, you can recover faster and preserve one of your body’s most precious senses — your hearing.
