Does Hydrogen Peroxide Work For Earwax Removal?
Hydrogen peroxide is an ingredient that is quite commonly used for earwax removal. It softens and breaks down the wax, facilitating easy removal. As we are aware, most eardrops contain hydrogen peroxide. According to a study, eardrops are one of the most cost-effective ways to get rid of earwax build-up at home. They have always been used as a first-line treatment to help the ears self-clean. And though ear irrigation is the most preferred method to get rid of earwax, it can lead to complications in certain cases (1). Hence, eardrops are a safer alternative. Also, it might be surprising to know that some eardrops seem to work fine without the presence of hydrogen peroxide as well. In fact, a few studies found that distilled water worked better in disintegrating earwax when compared to other solutions (2). However, many people all over the world swear by the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide in removing earwax build-up. It is especially useful for those whose ears tend to produce more wax as compared to the rest. The build-up or excessive earwax may lead to the following problems:
Difficulty in hearing Pain or ringing in the ears Ear discharge and itching Ear infections because of trapped bacteria
Hence, it is important that you clean your ears periodically in a safe and effective manner. Let us now see the different methods in which hydrogen peroxide can be used to do this.
How To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Earwax Removal
5 Ways To Use Hydrogen Peroxide For Earwax Removal
1. Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
1-3 mL of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide Medicine dropper
Do this once every 3 or 6 months, depending on the build-up of wax in your ears. Hydrogen peroxide helps in softening the earwax, thus dislodging the build-up. Its natural antiseptic properties help in fighting any ear infections (3).
2. Glycerin And Hydrogen Peroxide
1 mL of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide 1 mL of glycerin Medicine dropper
You must do this once in 3 or 6 months. When glycerin combines with hydrogen peroxide, it releases oxygen, thus making it easy to remove the earwax without much fuss (4).
3. Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide
1 mL of food-grade 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 mL of white vinegar Medicine dropper
You must do this whenever you develop wax build-up in your ears. This combination not only softens the earwax and facilitates its easy removal but also fights ear infections and inflammation (5), (6).
4. Water And Hydrogen Peroxide
1 mL of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide 1 mL of distilled water Medicine dropper
You must do this every 3 or 6 months to steer clear of earwax build-up. The natural lubricating properties of water are no secret. This combo is one of the best and safest ways to remove earwax (7), (8).
5. Rubbing Alcohol And Hydrogen Peroxide
1 mL of food-grade 3% hydrogen peroxide 1 mL of rubbing alcohol Medicine dropper
Repeat this procedure every 3 or 6 months, depending on the wax build-up in your ears. Rubbing alcohol can aid faster evaporation of the trapped water within your ears. It also exhibits disinfectant properties when used in combination with hydrogen peroxide. This can help in softening the earwax build-up and also fight the infection-causing microbes in your ears (9). You must also keep the following tips in mind to make sure that you do not injure your ear while trying to remove the earwax build-up.
Tips And Caution
• Do not insert your fingers in your ears. • Do not dip a used cloth or your fingers into the hydrogen peroxide solution. • Discard the contaminated hydrogen peroxide, cloths, cotton swabs, and other objects. Do not reuse them. • Avoid using eardrops or any of the above remedies if you have developed an ear infection. • Do not insert any foreign object into your ear to remove the earwax. • If the wax is lodged in your ears, consult your doctor to avoid further complications. Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear? Yes, hydrogen peroxide is relatively safe to be used in your ears. It is, in fact, one of the most common ingredients that you can find in a majority of ear solutions. What is the difference between using carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide for earwax removal? Carbamide peroxide works in a way similar to hydrogen peroxide in the removal of earwax. It contains 30% of carbamide peroxide and about 10% of hydrogen peroxide. The main difference between both these compounds is that hydrogen peroxide tends to break down faster than carbamide peroxide. How long should you keep hydrogen peroxide in your ear? You can leave the hydrogen peroxide solution in your ears for 10-20 minutes. After pouring it in your ears, you must wait for the popping sounds to subside before getting up and blotting the excess solution with a tissue. Why does my ear feel clogged after using hydrogen peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide may create a sensation of clogged ears due to the release of oxygen and water that bubbles inside the ear. However, this is a temporary condition that is soon resolved when the water and earwax are expelled. Can you put peroxide in your ear every day? It is not recommended to use hydrogen peroxide as ear drops beyond four days at a stretch as it may irritate the sensitive skin inside the ears and cause earaches. Can you put hydrogen peroxide in a baby’s ears? Yes, you may use ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide or a solution of 1:1 hydrogen peroxide and water in your baby’s ears. However, it is recommended to consult your child’s pediatrician before doing so.
