Earaches are common in children, and for some, happen frequently. There are several causes of earaches in children. 

Let’s talk about those causes, treatments, and how to properly care for your child’s ears.

What causes an earache?

Here are the major causes of earaches in children:

Earwax

When there is a buildup of earwax, it becomes impacted and presses against the eardrum.

Swimmer’s ear

Water staying in the ear after swimming or bathing causes swimmer’s ear. This can create inflammation or an infection.

Ear infection

Viruses or bacteria often cause ear infections. An infection can bring on inflammation, fever, and/or fluid drainage.

Sinus infection

A sinus infection can cause discomfort and pressure in the ears.

Teeth problems

Some teeth issues (like tooth pain, teething, decay, or abscesses) can cause a child’s ears to ache. 

Foreign objects

Sometimes kids put objects in their ears that shouldn’t be there (like a small toy or insect). This foreign object can cause pain and irritation to the ears.  

What are the signs that my child has an earache?

The signs of an earache can vary depending on the underlying cause. But here are a few of the more common signs to watch for:

• Pain in or around the ear, from mild discomfort to sharp intense pain
• Complaint of a feeling of fullness in the ear or pressure
• Difficulty sleeping at night with frequent wakings
• Tugging, pulling, or rubbing at the ear (especially in younger children)
• Changes in behaviors like increased irritability, fussiness, or crankiness

• Hearing difficulties like muffled hearing or hearing loss
• A fever (typically a sign of an infection)
• Drainage from the ear like fluid or pus (another sign of an infection)

How can I treat my child’s earache at home?

The treatment of your child’s earache will depend on the underlying cause. Always consult your pediatrician if you’re unsure what the reason is or what to do.

But here are a few things you can do to treat an earache at home:

• Use a warm compress against the affected ear to provide temporary relief
• Onion slices topically placed against the ear also often provide temporary relief
• Keep the head elevated to reduce pain and pressure
• Stay hydrated to help thin mucus and promote drainage
• Give pain relievers like acetaminophen* and or Dr. Rydland’s Fever + Pain Formula to help reduce inflammation and pain
• Use ear drops like Dr. Rydland’s Ear Drops Formula or warm olive oil

*Follow all recommended dosages and consult your pediatrician.

When should I take my child to the doctor for an earache?

You should take your child to the doctor for an earache if you see any of these symptoms:

• Earache persists or worsens over time
• Your child is younger than 6 months old
• Fever of 100.4° under 2 months old, over 101° in older children
• Severe pain or discomfort
• Drainage of fluid or pus
• Hearing loss or ability to hear
• Severe distress or showing concerning symptoms

How do I take care of my child’s ears to help prevent earaches?

There are steps you can take at home to help prevent earaches.

1. Use a washcloth to wipe the outer part of the ear during a shower or bath to help remove ear wax and other debris.
2. Avoid using cotton swabs since this can push wax deeper into the ear canal.
3. Use ear drops that help with wax removal and buildup.
4. Make sure your child washes their hands frequently to prevent bacteria from getting into the ears.
5. Avoid exposure to irritants that can cause ear discomfort, like secondhand smoke.
6. Seek professional help if your child has excessive wax or is experiencing symptoms like hearing loss.
7. Whenever your child is sick, start right away with Dr. Rydland’s Immune and Sinus Allergy Formulas every 2-3 hours when they’re awake for the first 3 days and then 4 times daily.

If you’re not sure what to do or your child is experiencing frequent earaches, speak with your pediatrician.

If earaches are a problem for your child, bring them relief with Dr. Rydland’s Ear Drops Formula!

Dr. Rydland crafted his Ear Drop Formula 20+ years ago to help treat earaches and is still a powerful tool used by parents today.

If your child has an ear infection, fluid in the ear, or an earache, give them a few warmed drops of Dr. Rydland’s Formula in each ear to start their relief now.

Shop today and start enjoying all the benefits Dr. Rydland offers!

Read Liquid Supplements vs. Gummy Supplements to understand the benefits of using Dr. Rydland’s liquid supplements.