Kamalesh works as a senior executive in a finance company in Pune. Over the past few days, he has been experiencing itchiness and earache in both ears. He tried some over-the-counter ear drops, but they didn’t work. Suddenly he experienced severe earache, so his colleague suggested consulting an ENT specialist who will prescribe a proper line of treatment for his condition. Kamalesh consulted one of the best ENTs in Pune who gave him a hydrogen peroxide in ear drop to remove earwax. After using hydrogen peroxide in ear, Kamalesh has started feeling much better and his ear pain has gone completely.
Earwax is a waxy material that is secreted from the ear canal. This natural cleanser comes up with antifungal and antibacterial properties and safeguards your ears. If too much earwax is deposited, then it may cause some problems. An accumulation of earwax may clog the canal and cause some problems including,
- Infections
- Earaches
- Ear discharge
- Hearing problems
- Ringing in the ear, or tinnitus
- Inside ear itching
Ear Drops are the most effective solutions to deal with earwax and these products contain hydrogen peroxide for ear wax removal.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Ear Wax Removal: Effective or Not?
Earwax is medically known as cerumen and hydrogen peroxide is called cerumenolytic. So it can soften, break down and liquefy earwax.
Ear drops available in the market comes in various forms of hydrogen peroxide.
Popular earwax removal is carbamide hydroxide which causes bubbles once you add it to earwax. This softens and removes the buildup.
A study was published in 2013 and according to it, hydrogen peroxide may not be necessary. The researchers revealed that distilled water may also soften earwax efficiently.
How do you use Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Earwax?
If you are wondering “can we use hydrogen peroxide in ear”, the answer is yes!
One of the most helpful hydrogen peroxide uses in ear is that it is a good cerumenolytic agent that can melt and break down earwax. So it’s useful in removing earwax. While using this ear wax removal hydrogen peroxide, you must consider certain things.
- Purchase an ear drop that contains three percent hydrogen peroxide solution
- A medicine dropper
- A soft cloth or a towel
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide in the Ear
One of the most effective ways to leverage hydrogen peroxide solution uses for ears is by applying the solution with a dropper inside the ear and let it work its charm!
Following are some steps you need to follow-
- By using the dropper, take a small amount of three percent hydrogen peroxide
- Tilt your head to one side and add two to three drops with the help of the dropper. You may ask someone to do this job on your behalf
- Don’t raise your head; rather, try to hold it in a tilted position so that the drop can enter the right position inside your ear.
- Stay in this position for four to five minutes.
- You may observe some fizzing in the affected ear as the wax gets diluted in the peroxide solution
- By using a towel or soft cloth, drain out the solution and excess earwax
- Now, clear your ear with a soft cotton towel. Also, don’t forget to dry the outer ear using the towel.
How Effective Is Hydrogen Peroxide For Ear Infection ?
Hydrogen peroxide can be good for some ear issues, mainly for cleaning the ear canal and removing wax buildup. But not for ear infections.
For ear infection especially bacterial or viral see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or other meds depending on the severity and type of infection. Using hydrogen peroxide in ear for infection is not that effective unless it’s for minor infection. Using hydrogen peroxide in ear can sometimes irritate the skin or cause more problems if not used right so be careful. Always check with doc before trying home remedies for ear problems.
Also Read : Best Antibiotics For Ear Infection
Side Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide in ear side effects are almost nil. But it may create problems if a person is suffering from ear damage or a major bacterial / viral ear infection.
To avoid complications, you may follow the below-mentioned tips.
- Before using a peroxide ear drop, consult a doctor
- Follow the directions on the packaging and then, use it
- If your ears are already injured, don’t use these ear drops as this may lead to ear pain or other complications
- Never insert foreign particles into the ear to remove wax. Sometimes, cotton buds may push wax towards the eardrum.
- If you are facing discomfort, blocked ears, or earache, or the drops are not working, consult a doctor for a proper line of treatment
Also Read : Amoxicillin Dosage By Weight For Ear Infections
Ways to Remove Earwax – Other Than Hydrogen Peroxide
- Popping the Ears (Valsalva Maneuver)
To do Valsalva maneuver you need to close your nose with your fingers and then blow out with closed lips and puffed cheeks. This will create an instant “popping” sensation and you’ll get rid of clogged ears.
- Ear Irrigation
You can purchase an over-the-counter irrigation kit and follow the instructions completely. But if you have ear surgery or an ear infection, then you should stay away from ear irrigation. Use the kit twice or thrice daily or as per your doctor’s instructions.
- Warm Compression
Steam or warm compress is beneficial to unblock the ears. Place a warm compress across your affected ear so that the steam can get inside easily. A hot shower will also be helpful in this context.
- Oil Drops
Various types of oils like olive, baby or mineral oil is effective for clogged ears. Add 2-3 drops of oil to the affected ear by tilting your head for 15-20 seconds. Repeat the process 3-4 times to remove the accumulated wax. Don’t use oil drops frequently as they may lead to fungal infections.
- Over-the-Counter Ear Decongestants
These will give you relief from clogged ears especially if you have nasal or sinus inflammation. Before using these drops read all the instructions carefully.
Earwax is good as it protects your ears from infection and prevents water from entering the inner ear surfaces. This wax is produced naturally by your ears.
Hydrogen Peroxide For Ear Infection : The Bottom Line
Sometimes, the wax may produce above the normal levels. Thus, people need to use ear drops to remove excess earwax. But if you have excessive earwax along with pain, discomfort, ear infection or hearing loss then you must consult an ENT specialist to identify the condition since there’s not much use of hydrogen peroxide in ear for infection. Doc will prescribe you the best treatment so you can get relief from excess earwax and other symptoms.
Hydrogen Peroxide In Ear - FAQs
Can I put peroxide inside my ear for treating an infection?
Most ear drops have hydrogen peroxide which is used to treat ear infections and remove earwax. It’s mostly safe to use when used as directed by your doctor. But be sure to follow the advised concentration and frequency of use. Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizer and can cause skin irritation and rashes especially in people with sensitive skin.
Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide inside the ear for an earache?
To remove earwax with hydrogen peroxide follow these steps:
- Lie down on your side with the ear you want to clean facing up. This position helps the hydrogen peroxide flow into the ear canal easily.
- Gently squeeze a few drops of the hydrogen peroxide solution into your ear. Make sure to use an ear drop for earwax removal which usually contains 3% to 4% hydrogen peroxide.
- Stay still and let the drops stay in your ear for about 5 to 6 minutes. This gives the hydrogen peroxide time to soften and loosen the earwax.
• After the required time is up, tilt your head to the side and use a tissue to gently wipe away any excess drops and softened earwax that may have drained out.
How to use hydrogen peroxide for earwax removal?
To effectively remove earwax using hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:
• Lie down on your side, with the ear you want to clean facing upwards. This position helps the hydrogen peroxide reach the ear canal easily.
• Gently squeeze a few drops of the hydrogen peroxide solution into your ear. It's important to use an ear drop specifically formulated for earwax removal, which usually contains around 3% to 4% hydrogen peroxide.
• Stay still and allow the drops to remain in your ear for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. This gives the hydrogen peroxide enough time to soften and loosen the earwax.
• After the designated time, tilt your head to the side and use a tissue to gently wipe away any excess drops and softened earwax that may have drained out.
How to clean ears with hydrogen peroxide?
You only need about 4 to 6 drops of hydrogen peroxide solution to clean your ears. After applying the solution in your ear, let it sit for a few minutes. Don’t use too much of the hydrogen peroxide solution as it can be harmful. To be safe use 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Using a higher concentration can cause skin irritation and discomfort. So remember to use the solution in the recommended amount to keep your ears clean and safe.
How often can I use peroxide for ear wax removal?
If you have earwax blockage you can use hydrogen peroxide two to three times a day for two weeks before your scheduled appointment. This will make the wax soft and may even remove it altogether so you won’t need to have it cleaned further. By using hydrogen peroxide regularly like this you can resolve the earwax blockage and may not need further cleaning.
Does hydrogen peroxide kill ear infections?
Most ear infections happen deep inside the ear, behind the eardrum or in the eustachian tubes. Since these infections are internal, hydrogen peroxide ear drops cannot reach the infected area. The ear drops work on the outer part of the ear and may not provide direct relief for internal ear infections.
Will hydrogen peroxide help with inner ear infections?
When the ear infection is deep inside the ear, it becomes difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach the affected area. So, hydrogen peroxide is not much helpful in treating inner ear infections.
Can hydrogen peroxide damage your ears?
Hydrogen peroxide can be dangerous for the skin in and around ears when not used properly. If you use too much of hydrogen peroxide or use it too often, it can cause irritation and blisters on the ear skin. This can further cause painful inflammation and earaches. Another point you need to remember is that hydrogen peroxide solution of concentration more than 10% can cause burns. Imagine all this happening to the sensitive ear skin!
I put hydrogen peroxide in my ear and now it hurts?
Sorry to hear you are in pain. Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation or discomfort especially if used incorrectly. Here are a few things you can do -
- Stop Using Hydrogen Peroxide- Don’t put anymore hydrogen peroxide in your ear.
- Wash with Warm Water- Gently rinse your ear with warm water to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide.
- Dry Your Ear- Use a soft cloth to dry the outer part of your ear.
- Pain Relief- Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with the pain.
- Consult a Doctor- If the pain persists or gets worse see a doctor. They can examine your ear and provide the right treatment.
References:
- The effect of hydrogen peroxide applied to the middle ear on inner ear function. The Laryngoscope [Internet].
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1097/00005537-200311000-00035 Accessed May 16, 2022.
- Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Infections / Wax. The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital[Internet].
https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/hydrogen-peroxide-for-ear-infections-wax/. Accessed May 20, 2022.
- What are the risks of too much hydrogen peroxide in ear?. Medical News Today[Internet].
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/too-much-hydrogen-peroxide-in-ear. Accessed May 25, 2022.
- Is It Safe to Put Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Ear?. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/is_it_safe_to_put_hydrogen_peroxide_in_your_ear/article.htm . Accessed May 27, 2022.
- Treatment Of Chronic Otitis Media With A Mixture Of Glycerite Of Hydrogen Peroxide, Streptomycin And Penicillin. AMA Arch Otolaryngol [Internet].
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/589948. Accessed April 03, 2022.
