Can I Put Oil in My Ear If It Hurts?

Dr. K. R. Meghanadh

Ear pain is something most of us have dealt with—whether it's a dull throb or a sudden sharp sting. In search of quick relief, many people turn to home remedies. One age-old suggestion that often comes up is putting oil in the ear. But is this really a safe or effective solution?

The short answer: No. You should avoid putting oil in your ear if it hurts or under any circumstances.

While it might seem like a harmless remedy, using oil can actually have severe consequences. Here’s why.

Why People Use Oil in Their Ears

Sometimes people think their itchiness or irritation in the ear is due to dryness of the ear canal skin and try to soothe it by putting oil drops inside the ear canal. However, ear discomfort or itching isn’t always caused by dryness, and adding oil might do more harm than good.

Why Putting Oil in Your Ear Can Be Harmful?

If your ear feels itchy, irritated, or painful, it may be a sign of a fungal infection called otomycosis. The primary symptom of this infection is persistent itching.

Many people put oil in the ear to ease dryness or irritation. But this can make things worse; the infection could spread more rapidly and cause perforation of the eardrum.

If there’s already a fungal infection, the oil acts like food for the fungus. It helps the fungus grow faster and spread.

Eardrum Perforation

If a fungal infection is present, adding oil to the ear can worsen it. The fungus feeds on the oil and earwax, leading to faster growth and causing irritation or itching. Once the wax is depleted, the fungus can invade the skin of the ear canal, causing pain and potentially spreading to the eardrum, which may lead to rupture or perforation. Fungal perforations are less likely to heal compared to perforations caused by other types.

Moreover, if a perforation already exists, putting oil, eardrops, or any liquid into the ear canal can cause irreversible damage to the middle ear.

What Should You Do Instead?

Most ear infections get better on their own or with proper treatment. However, if the infection is located in the ear canal, it typically requires attention from an ENT specialist.

If your ear hurts, the safest and smartest thing to do is to see a doctor. An ENT specialist can examine your ear, identify the underlying cause of the pain, and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Why Do Ears Hurt?

Ear pain can result from several causes, including different types of infections. Here are three common ear infections that cause pain:

1. Otitis Externa (Ear Canal Infection)

   There are multiple types of ear canal infections that can lead to ear pain:

   • Bacterial Otitis Externa

     • First symptom: Ear pain

     • May coexist with a fungal infection

     • Avoid using oil, as it can worsen fungal overgrowth

   • Fungal Otitis Externa (Otomycosis)

     • First symptom: Itching, followed by pain

     • Can also coexist with bacterial infection

     • Pain may result even if the primary infection is fungal

   • Circumscribed Otitis Externa

     • Pain is localized to the outer ear canal, especially around hair follicles

     • Boils may appear in the ear and other body areas (commonly the face)

     • Requires antibiotics and consultation with an ENT and dermatologist

   • Swimmer’s Ear (Chronic Diffuse Otitis Externa)

     • Common in swimmers

     • Usually a mix of fungal and bacterial infection

     • Symptoms are persistent rather than severe

     • Adding oil can worsen the condition

   
   

2. Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection)

   • Occurs behind the eardrum, not in the ear canal

   • Remedies applied in the ear canal won’t help

   • If the eardrum is perforated, adding oil or drops can cause permanent middle ear damage and lead to hearing loss

   
   

3. Bullous Myringitis Hemorrhagica

   • A rare viral infection of the eardrum

   • Characterized by sudden, intense pain

   • Patients usually seek medical help quickly due to severity

   • Adding oil won't help and may cause further complications

   • Often misdiagnosed, leading to delayed or improper treatment

Conclusion

While putting oil in your ear when it hurts might sound like a harmless remedy, it can do more harm than good. Oil can worsen fungal infections or create an environment where infections thrive. So, it is always advised to consult a healthcare professional to avoid complications and get the appropriate treatment. Your ears are a delicate structure; proper care is essential to ensure they heal well and stay healthy.

Dr. K. R. Meghanadh