Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide in the ear?

Most people, who have tried hydrogen peroxide for treating blocked ears and ear infections, claim that it helps in relieving excessive buildup of earwax. It is believed that administering a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in an equal blend with warm water to each ear helps to destroy the germs caused by cold and flu.

Numerous home remedies and folk therapists recommend the use of hydrogen peroxide for ear infections. Some even recommend the use of warm oils such as olive oil or mineral oil to soften earwax and reduce the unpleasant symptoms of ear infections. A few drops of warm baby oil administered carefully in each ear canal can help to get rid of the itchiness and inflammation; however such advice is not substantiated by the medical community. According to folk therapists, hydrogen peroxide discourages the growth of the fungus residing in the ear canal, as the oxygen released by the peroxide helps in destroying the anaerobic organisms. But such claims have yet to be studied by medical experts.

Some people believe that doctors also make use of hydrogen peroxide for certain types of ear infections, but such a claim has not been revealed by medical experts. It is believed that hydrogen peroxide along with a solution of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol can help treat swimmers ear in the initial stages. Hydrogen peroxide blended with either white vinegar or warm water has also been recommended for getting rid of offending earwax. However it is important to heed the advice of qualified medical experts who are of the opinion that using hydrogen peroxide may contribute to the deterioration of the tissues in the ear. Some nonprescription ear wax treatments have carbamide peroxide as an active ingredient, which is similar to hydrogen peroxide, and works effectively against ear infections. It is believed that hydrogen peroxide possesses similar attributes similar to that of over-the-counter ear wax solutions.

Although the use of hydrogen peroxide for the ears is believed to be a highly popular remedy, please note that it is an unproven remedy in medical circles and has not been scientifically confirmed. Consult with your ENT specialist with regards to the use of hydrogen peroxide for ear infections. It is strongly suggested that you visit your ENT specialist for a thorough examination and correct diagnosis of the ear condition. Doing so will ensure that you get the right kind of treatment leading to faster recovery and healing.

answered by G M

Hydrogen peroxide is a bright indigo colored liquid that appears as color less when it is in a dilute solution. It is slightly more viscous than water and has a weak base to it. Hydrogen peroxide has effective oxidizing capabilities and therefore can also serve as mild bleaching agent and thus is used as an industrial chemical as well in order to bleach paper, but it is also used as a disinfecting agent, and as a septic. Ideally hydrogen peroxide might be used to clean one's ears but it is important to first properly understand how much of wax is actually trapped in your ear, because if the wax is very solid then, the hydrogen peroxide will not be able to dissolve the wax and thus will not have room to expand (this is needed as it bubbles). The resulting effect is damage to your ear drum. Another factor when using hydrogen peroxide is to make sure that it is at the right temperature, you can find this out by asking the pharmacy you purchased it from. If applied to the ear at the wrong temperature it can make you dizzy and cause you to faint.

Therefore once you have checked out these factors, then you can maybe try using hydrogen peroxide. The best way to do it is to use a ear syringe. Fill up the ear syringe with body temperature hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with water(a 3to 4% solution as per your requirements), tilt the head back and to the left side for your right ear, then insert the syringe and apply a few drops , after which you will hear a popping sound of the peroxide. Once the popping stops; drain out the liquid from your ear. Do not do this more than once a week as it can cause complications. Do not use it if you have a damaged eardrum or hearing problems. To be sure consult your doctor for further information.

answered by M W