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How To Treat Ear Infections With Apple Cider Vinegar

If you have puss in your ear, or feelings of pain or pressure, you may have an ear infection. You can try to treat it at home with apple cider vinegar, though it shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.

Ear infections are caused by bacteria, viruses, and even fungi getting trapped in the middle or outer ear. Children are more likely to get ear infections than adults.

More commonly, a cold, flu, allergies, or smoking may be the catalyst for a middle ear infection (otitis media). Getting water in your ear canal may contribute to outer ear infections (otitis externa).

Conditions that may increase the risk of outer ear infections in adults include:

An earache may be a sign of mild ear infection, and it will usually go away on its own. However, if an earache doesn't go away after 3 days, it's a good idea to see a doctor. This is especially true for children. See a doctor if you or your child have:

Apple cider vinegar may help mild ear infections of the outer ear. It has antimicrobial properties, meaning it kills bacteria, fungi, and possibly viruses.

There are no studies to definitively prove that apple cider vinegar cures ear infections, but it does contain acetic acid.

According to a 2013 study, acetic acid is antibacterial, which means it kills bacteria. Buffered acetic acid ear drops (under the brand name VoSol) are often a traditional treatment for outer ear infection. Aural toilet is also a big part of treatment, in cases where the drops can't penetrate well enough to be effective.

Another study shows apple cider vinegar can also kill fungi. A third study has shown apple cider vinegar to be effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Apple cider vinegar shouldn't be considered a replacement for a visit with your doctor or traditional treatment for ear infections. It should only be used for outer ear infections. If you do not have an intact tympanic membrane (eardrum), do not put anything in your ear without seeing a doctor.

Middle ear infections should be seen and treated by a doctor, especially in children. If you have ear pain and are not sure which type of ear infection is causing it, see your doctor for a diagnosis before putting anything in your ear.

Make sure to dilute the vinegar with equal parts water. Pure vinegar can burn sensitive ear canal tissue.

Apple cider vinegar with warm water ear drops
  • Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with warm, not hot, water.
  • Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe.
  • Cover your ear with a cotton ball or clean cloth and lean on your side to let drops enter and sit in the ear. Do this for about 5 minutes.
  • Repeat this application as often as desired to treat an outer ear infection.
  • Apple cider vinegar with rubbing alcohol ear drops

    This recipe is identical to the one above except it involves rubbing alcohol instead of warm water.

    Rubbing alcohol is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. Do not use this method if you have drainage from your ear or think you may have a middle ear infection. Also, do not continue with this mixture if you have any stinging or discomfort when using these drops.

  • Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
  • Apply 5 to 10 drops in each affected ear using a clean dropper bottle or baby syringe.
  • Cover your ear with a cotton ball or clean cloth and lean on your side to let drops enter and sit in the ear. Do this for about 5 minutes.
  • Repeat this application as often as desired to fight ear infection.
  • Outer ear infection symptoms include:

  • earache
  • inflammation and swelling
  • pain and tenderness
  • hearing changes
  • nausea
  • imbalance and dizziness
  • headache
  • fever
  • If an earache or infection doesn't go away after 3 days — or if you have discharge, fever, or loss of balance — see a doctor.

    There are other home remedies for ear infections you can try. None of these should replace doctor visits or traditional treatments.

    They should also only be used for outer ear infections. Middle ear infections should be seen and treated by a doctor.

    Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate essential oils, so be sure to purchase them from a reputable source. Prior to using any essential oil, test a drop or two on a small area of your skin for 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs.

    Even if the oil does not irritate your skin, it could still cause irritation or discomfort if you put it in your ear. Always follow directions on labels for specific essential oils and keep out of the reach of children.

    Once again, do not try any essential oils in your ear if you have or suspect you may have a damaged eardrum. They may be dangerous to the middle ear.

    Some research supports the use of apple cider vinegar for helping treat outer ear infections at home, but more studies are needed. Apple cider vinegar could be especially helpful for mild outer ear infections when used correctly in children and adults.

    No home remedy should replace a doctor's recommendations and medications. If ear infections worsen, last for more than 3 days, and are accompanied by fever or other symptoms, stop the use of apple cider vinegar and see your doctor.


    Can Olive Oil Remove Wax Or Treat An Ear Infection?

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    Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
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    Was this helpful?

    Some people use a few drops of olive oil to reduce earwax buildup or treat an ear infection. While more research is needed, it may be safe to give this home remedy a try.

    Olive oil is one of the most common cooking oils and a staple in the Mediterranean diet. It has many health benefits too, including lowering your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other conditions.

    It's also a traditional remedy for removing ear wax and treating ear infections. Read on to learn more about the effectiveness of using olive oil in your ears and how to try it for yourself.

    For ear wax

    Ear wax is produced by glands at the entrance to your ear canal to lubricate and protect your skin. It usually doesn't need to be removed. However, a buildup of wax can sometimes affect your hearing, cause discomfort, or interfere with hearing aid use. It can also trap bacteria, increasing your risk of developing an ear infection.

    There aren't many large, high-quality studies about the effectiveness of olive oil for removing ear wax. A 2013 study followed participants who applied olive oil to their ears every night for 24 weeks. Over time, olive oil actually increased the amount of ear wax. However, applying olive oil to the ear just before having a doctor remove extra ear wax did seem to help ensure that all the wax was removed.

    When it comes to removing ear wax, it's best to stick with ear drops specifically designed for removing ear wax. You can purchase these on Amazon.

    For ear infection

    Some people also use olive oil to treat ear pain caused by an infection. Olive oil does have some antibacterial properties, but it's unclear whether it kills the types of bacteria that cause ear infections.

    Still, a 2003 study found that herbal ear drops containing olive oil helped to reduce pain from an ear infection in children. Keep in mind that these drops also contained soothing herbs, such as lavender and calendula, in addition to olive oil.

    While there's no clear evidence about the effectiveness of olive oil on its own for common ear problems, it's also not associated with any serious health consequences, so you can still try it to see for yourself.

    To apply drops to your ear, use a glass dropper or you can dip a cotton swab in olive oil and allow the excess to drip into your ear. Don't put the cotton swab or any other object in your ear.

    You can use room-temperature olive oil, though some people prefer to warm it up in a pan over low heat. Make sure to test the temperature on your skin first. The oil should be just slightly warm, not hot.

    Follow these instructions to safely apply olive oil to your ears at home:

  • Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up.
  • Gently pull your outer part of your ear back and up to open your ear canal.
  • Put two or three drops of olive oil in the opening of your ear.
  • Gently massage the skin at the front of the entrance to your ear canal to help the oil work its way in.
  • Remain on your side for 5 to 10 minutes. Wipe away any extra oil that drips from your ear when you sit up.
  • Repeat in the other ear if needed.
  • Tailor the application to your need, and contact your doctor if you aren't seeing the desired results:

  • For ear wax removal, do this once a day for one or two weeks. If you're not feeling any relief by then, contact your doctor. Remember, long-term use of olive oil in your ear may lead to even more built-up wax.
  • To treat an ear infection, do this twice a day for two to three days. If your symptoms aren't getting any better after a few days, or you develop a fever, see your doctor.
  • It's important to choose a high-quality olive oil if you're using it for medicinal purposes. When choosing an olive oil, look for extra virgin olive oil. This type of olive oil isn't chemically processed, (processing can reduce some of its therapeutic benefits).

    You can also purchase olive oil–based herbal ear drops. These contain extracts from medicinal plants, such as garlic, that might provide added benefits. You can purchase these drops on Amazon.

    While olive oil is generally safe, there are a few precautions you should take when using it in your ears.

    Don't use olive oil or any other product in the ear if you have a ruptured ear drum. If you're not sure if you have a ruptured ear drum, see your doctor before using any remedy in your ear, including natural remedies.

    Don't place cotton swabs or any other object inside the ear to remove wax or relieve itching. This can easily damage your ear drum or push wax deeper into your ear. Putting cotton swabs in your ear also increases your risk of developing an ear infection. It's also responsible for sending thousands of children to the emergency room with ear injuries each year.

    Finally, make sure to use only room-temperature or just slightly warmed olive oil to avoid burning the delicate skin in your ear.

    Olive oil may have some benefits for your ears, but it can sometimes do more harm than good, especially when it comes to removing ear wax.

    You can try using it for a short period of time for both ear wax removal or ear pain from an infection, but make sure to follow up with your doctor if your symptoms don't start to improve within a few days or weeks.

    You should also steer clear of this natural remedy if you have a ruptured ear drum. Choose another approach that is better supported with research.


    10 Best Ear Drops For Waxs

    10 Best Ear Drops For WaxsHealth & householdRecombu Natural Mullein Ear Wax Removal Oil & Cleaner with Strawberry for KidsPain & Earache DropsEarwax Softener, Moisturizer & Allergy SoothingTinnitus, Itching, Ringing, Infections & Clogged Ears WaxOut

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  • Place 5-10 drops in ear and gently flush ear with water, using soft rubber bulb syringe after final treatment
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  • EARWAX MD Drops, Ear Wax Removal Drops for Ear Cleaning Eosera

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  • EARWAX REMOVAL DROPS: This doctor-recommended earwax removal cleaner dissolves earwax in as fast as 15 minutes. The gentle, dual-action formula targets oils in the outer ear canal and breaks up wax buildup like it's a bad date. Great for sensitive skin. Rinsing bulb not included.
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  • Similasan Ear Wax Removal Kit, 0.33 Ounce Bottle, Ear Drops with Bulb Syringe, Temporary Ear Relief, Remove Ear Wax, Clean Ears EMCW9

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  • Trusted by pharmacists and families in Switzerland for over 35 years, Similasan is a leading Swiss brand of remedies that use active natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals to keep families healthy





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