For swimmers or those prone to "swimmer's ear" (otitis externa), a drop of oil before swimming can create a waterproof barrier, preventing water from getting trapped in the ear canal, which is a common breeding ground for bacteria.
But does pouring cooking oil into your ear actually help, or could it make things worse? Here is a look at the science behind olive oil as a remedy, how to use it safely, and when you absolutely need to see a doctor.
If you have a middle ear infection, olive oil will likely not help because the fluid is trapped behind the eardrum, where the oil cannot reach. olive oil for ear infections
It is vital to understand what kind of infection you are dealing with before trying home remedies.
To understand the remedy, you must distinguish between the two most common types of ear infections: For swimmers or those prone to "swimmer's ear"
Olive oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. The main components of olive oil, including oleic acid, hydroxytyrosol, and oleuropein, have been shown to exhibit:
The short answer is: It depends on the cause of the infection. If you have a middle ear infection, olive
For true middle ear infections, especially in children, or for any infection with fever, significant hearing loss, or discharge, see a physician. Olive oil may soothe an ache, but it won’t stop an infection. And in the wrong ear, it can do real harm. Use it as a temporary bridge to medical care, not a replacement for it.