Tilt your head toward the affected ear and gently pull the earlobe to help drainage
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing down for a few minutes
Use a warm compress against the ear for 10 to 15 minutes
Open and close your mouth, yawn, or chew gum to help equalize pressure
Try the Valsalva maneuver gently by pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and softly blowing
Use gravity after swimming or bathing by hopping on one foot with the affected ear down
Dry the outer ear with a towel
Use a hair dryer on the lowest heat and speed, held at a safe distance
Use over-the-counter drying ear drops if you do not have a perforated eardrum or ear tubes
Avoid inserting cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into the ear
Seek medical care if pain, fever, hearing loss, dizziness, drainage, or symptoms lasting more than a day occur