The question is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear is a valid one. Hydrogen peroxide is a cerumenolytic solution that softens and dissolves excess earwax. Earwax is a natural waxy substance that protects the ear canal from infection and traps dead skin cells, dust, and dirt.
Usually, your ears produce enough earwax to keep the ear canal clean. But sometimes, a buildup of earwax becomes uncomfortable and impacts hearing.
Many people use hydrogen peroxide to loosen earwax, but it can cause damage or infections when used incorrectly. Using too much of this chemical can damage the skin inside your ear, leading to inflammation and earaches.
What is the best way to remove earwax?
Typically, audiologists recommend over-the-counter ear drops as the first choice for removing earwax. These drops contain various types of hydrogen peroxide and other substances that work together to soften earwax.
How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Unclogging Your Ears
Fill a small amount of three percent hydrogen peroxide in a medicine dropper and tilt your head so the ear in which you dropped the solution is upright. Hold your head still for a few minutes as the solution breaks down earwax and flushes it out of your ear.
You can also try this at home with a bulb syringe. Before getting in the shower, pour a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into your ear and then lie down on one side for a few minutes as the solution breaks up the earwax. You may hear a crackling or bubbling sound as it works.
How to use hydrogen peroxide for ear infection
Ear wax is a normal part of the ear canal and can become extremely itchy, uncomfortable or even cause hearing loss. During these times, you may find yourself looking for some quick relief.
Fortunately, there are some simple and inexpensive ways to get some ear pain relief without having to visit your doctor. One of the most popular methods involves using hydrogen peroxide to clean your ears.
Hydrogen peroxide can dissolve ear wax and soften it, but you should use a safe, over-the-counter concentration of the substance. Using too much of it can cause skin irritation, blistering and even burns in the ear.
Over-the-counter ear drops like Debrox often contain carbamide peroxide, which releases oxygen in the earwax, causing it to bubble and make it easier to remove. Carbamide peroxide can also cause a reaction in the ears, which can interfere with your doctor’s ability to examine the inner ear.
You should only use hydrogen peroxide to remove earwax if your doctor has prescribed it. If you are unsure about the amount of peroxide to use, contact your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Another natural treatment for earaches includes ginger and garlic. Both ginger and garlic have antibiotic and pain-relieving properties that can help you feel better quickly. You can soak crushed garlic in warm oil or apply strained garlic juice to the outer ear.
In addition to these options, you can also try sleeping on an upturned pillow or in a chair. This method can help ease pressure and pain in the middle ear, according to WedMD.
How long does it take for an ear infection to heal with antibiotics?
Treatment for ear infections usually includes antibiotics and pain relievers. Antibiotics are strong medicines that kill bacteria.
They also help the body fight the infection. They work best when the ear infection is caused by bacteria and is not getting better with other treatment.
If your child’s doctor thinks that a virus like the flu or COVID-19 is involved, antivirals may be prescribed instead of antibiotics.
Most viral infections go away on their own in a couple of days, especially in children who are 2 years old and older.
Those with chronic ear infections that keep coming back or those who have another condition that makes the infection harder to heal (cleft palate, Down syndrome or immune disorders) may need antibiotics.
The antibiotics will clear up the infection quickly and make your child feel much better. Be sure to take them exactly as directed, and don’t stop the medication until your doctor tells you to do so.
Pain Medicines
The most effective way to treat earaches is with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). These medications should be taken as needed and are safe to use for children.
Ear Drops
Some doctors prescribe antibiotic ear drops to get rid of the infection and ease symptoms. These are a quick and easy option that can be done at home.
Some children, especially babies and infants, may need antibiotics for an ear infection because they are too young to swallow the medication. These antibiotics are stronger than those for adults, so it’s important to be careful when administering them.
Recurring ear infections in adults
Adults can also get recurring ear infections, although this is less common than childhood earaches. Symptoms can include pain, fullness in the ear, hearing problems and fluid leaking out of the ear.
Ear infection is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones in your ear. This happens when bacteria or viruses (usually due to colds or flu) spread to the ear.
Depending on the type of infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics and sometimes ear drops. This treatment usually clears up your ear infection within a few days.
Other treatments for ear infections
Other treatments for ear infections might be using an over-the-counter decongestant or putting a warm cloth in your ear. Your doctor can recommend other options based on your specific symptoms and medical history.
In some cases, your doctor might suggest surgery. This is done to treat an ear infection that does not heal, or for other reasons such as if the eardrum becomes ruptured.
Another option is to put a small tube into the ear (tympanostomy tube). The tube keeps fluid from building up in your middle ear and relieves pressure on the eardrum. This procedure is commonly performed in children but can be done in adults as well.
Recurrent ear infections should not be ignored in adults as they can cause permanent damage to your ear, including hearing loss and damaged eardrums. Identifying the root causes of recurring ear infections is the first step toward finding a cure.