I have used hydrogen peroxide in my ears for dizziness and it helped 85% of the symptoms within 5 minutes. I had been so dizzy I couldn't even roll over in bed.

Just a few drops in the ear will suffice. It will bubble and roll like a volcano if there is infection. Otherwise it will not. Lay down and let it sit for about five minutes and then let it roll out onto a washcloth. Repeat the next day.

But you are not supposed to use it when there is pain in the ear. I'd recommend waiting until there is no pain and then use the hydrogen peroxide as a preventative.

As one who had many ear infections as a child, smoke does not work nor does sweet oil. Sleeping on an incline or partially sitting up like in a recliner does help to reduce the pain.