Ear infections can be painful and uncomfortable, but most of them clear up on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment. However, there are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of an ear infection:

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help relieve pain and reduce fever.

• Warm compress: Applying a warm cloth or warm water bottle to the affected ear can help reduce pain.

• Rest: Sleeping and resting can help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.

• Saltwater gargle: Gargling with saltwater can help relieve sore throat and reduce inflammation.

• Avoid Q-tips: Avoid using Q-tips for ear infection cleaning, as they can push earwax further into the ear canal and cause more problems.

• Decongestants and antihistamines: These medications wont cure an ear infection, but they may help with symptoms such as congestion and runny nose.

If the ear infection is severe or lasts longer than 2-3 days, antibiotics may be necessary. However, antibiotics are not usually prescribed for mild ear infections, as they often clear up on their own and antibiotics make little difference to symptoms, including pain. Its important to talk to a doctor about the best treatment for an ear infection, especially if the symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days.