Is It OK To Put Peroxide In Your Ear?

In liquid ear drops, hydrogen peroxide is very commonly found, and it is sometimes also referred to as cerumenolytics. When it comes to treating ear infections, these are ideally the first medications. 

However, there are various considerations related to this drug. For example, people ask- is it ok to put peroxide in your ear when the sole purpose is to remove ear wax? Or is it something used for serious ear conditions? 

If you are perplexed with such questions, this article is the one for you. So, let’s get started with this article and scrape out the truth behind peroxide. 

Why Is Hydrogen Peroxide Put In The Ear?

In medical terms, earwax is called cerumen, and cerumenolytics or hydrogen peroxide are common solutions. It softens earwax and dissolves them easily. An individual having excessive earwax can use peroxide in a safe amount. 

Generally, the ears accumulate earwax in order to clean or protect our ear canal. But too much accumulation isn’t healthy. 

Ceruminous glands, specialized glands, secrete acidic substances and fats that save the ear from contamination. These discharges trap dirt, dust, and dead skin cells present inside the ear. The blend together forms what we call earwax. 

Generally, earwax is pushed off the ear canal when an individual eats or speaks. But if the natural process of cleaning fails, the ear canal gets filled with earwax and creates pain and infections. 

Factors that lead to excessive earwax

A number of factors can cause too much accumulation of earwax, like-

• Prolonged wearing of hearing ads
• Listening to songs in headphones for a long time
• Using cotton buds to clean the ear
• Structural abnormalities around the ear canal

What happens when too much earwax accumulates?

If the ear is full of earwax, it will result in a plug and, later, cerumen impaction. A 2020 study suggests cerumen infection can affect over 6% of common people and over 30% of adults. 

Other risk implications due to surplus earwax are: 

• Hearing imparities
• Continuous ringing in the ear, also known as tinnitus
• Constantly feeling that the ear is full
• Pain
• Dizziness
• Itching inside the ear
• Ear drainage
• Infection

So, Is It OK To Put Peroxide In Your Ear?

Not all ear drops have peroxide in them, but most of them aim to soften earwax. So, the simple answer to this is to check the quantity before putting. 

Hydrogen peroxide drops have a lot of carbamide peroxide in them, which releases oxygen when going inside. This causes bubbles inside the ear and softens the plug, thus causing easy removal. 

All in all, you can put peroxide in your ear without having to worry about its side effects. Over-the-counter solutions in these drops consist of purified water and only 3% of peroxide, which is safe. 

The only side effects of peroxide are:

• Bubbling or fizzing sensation in the ear
• Mouth tastes bitter
• Temporary but prolonged ear pain
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus 
• Hearing loss or disability

Side-effects of too much peroxide usage

• Excessive application can cause blistering and skin irritation. In some cases, it has caused more than 10% of burns. 
• There could be irritation inside the ear, which could result in earaches and inflammation. 
• People with past records of ear infections should refrain from using the drops. 

What Are Its Alternatives?

If you think hydrogen peroxide isn’t competent enough to remove earwax, there are other alternatives as well. Firstly, try rinsing your ear with a clean ear syringe. 

Ear syringes are easily available at the local medicine shop, and you can also get them on online apps. Make sure to always follow the given instructions on the product label. 

There are various alternatives to earwax softeners, including:

• Ear drops having mineral oils, almond, or camphor in them
• Docusate sodium
• Acetic acid
• Sodium bicarbonate

Put the ear drops in the ear which is affected and continue to do so for 2-3 days. Not only will it help to loosen the war, but it will also create the path to bring them out. 

Next, fill the bulb syringe you are using with a saline water mixture or just lukewarm water. Put the syringe tip near your ear’s opening and squeeze the syringe out very gently. 

Keep turning your head side-by-side to allow excessive wax and water to flow out of your ear. It is better if you carry out the process over a bathtub or sink. Refrain from using foreign objects like pens, paper clips, or cotton swabs inside the ear. 

Can I Naturally Clean My Earwax Without Using Peroxide?

Yes, if peroxide isn’t your preferred solution, you can do so at home. Ear cleaning isn’t too much of a headache since they can naturally clean themselves. 

However, some people produce more earwax than others, which calls for a deeper cleaning. In such cases, you can mark yourself safe from peroxide and instead use these to clean earwax:

Valsalva Maneuver

In order to conduct this, you will first have to use your fingers and plug your nose. Keep blowing out with puffed cheeks and closed lips. This will create a popping sensation, and you will immediately get relief from clogged ears. 

The Compression Therapy

Warm or steam compress also helps to unclog your ears. But for this purpose, you have to put a warm compress on your infected ear and pave the way for some steam to go inside. If compression isn’t feasible for you, try hot showers for the next 4-5 days. 

Oil Drops

Putting oil drops inside the ear also helps, and there’s no such consideration for the oil selection. You can use any oil like mineral, baby, and even olive oils to put inside your ears. Keep moving your head for 15-20 seconds so that the oil reaches everywhere and helps to unclog the wax. 

OTC Nasal Decongestants

Decongestants sometimes help to unclog ears when sinus inflammation or other contaminants block them. OTC ear drops should always be used with label instructions. 

Safety Tips To Consider

Dr. McNeely says you do not necessarily have to use peroxide if the infection or pain is minor because it can worsen the condition. For instance, if you are suffering from a perforated eardrum, you have to keep an entirely dry ear for healing. 

Peroxide sometimes also impacts your skin. The usual strength of the drug can irritate the skin around your ear along with the eardrum. If peroxide irritates your ears too much, here’s what to do:

• Blend half water with half hydrogen peroxide so that it causes less abrasion.
• Be sure to keep the solution close to your body temperature; otherwise, you might feel dizzy.
• Gently pour the mixture into your ear using a dropper. 
• Allow it to settle for 10 seconds, and then flip your head. 

Aftercare is equally significant in the case of peroxide application. Dr. Dobrowski suggests drying the ear thoroughly after the process. Your ear canal will become prone to infections if you leave it in a damp environment for a long time. 

Knock, Knock- It’s Time To See A Doctor!

It is not feasible, and neither is it recommended to solve all your ear problems at home. Expert advice is mandatory. Other than removing blocked wax, there might also be warning signs to visit a doctor.

Fever, ear drainage, and hearing loss are all signs that it’s time for a consultation. As mentioned above, your ears do not need regular cleaning because they clean themselves. 

These essentially sensitive body organs need ample time and space for cleaning. So, if you lack both, it’s best to leave it to the doctor to treat them. 

Parting Thoughts

Hydrogen peroxide, when used in a recommended quantity, will never harm your ears. So, always try not to exceed the amount and put your ears in danger. Call your doctor immediately if something doesn’t feel right inside. 

And it’s a wrap on this article. I hope you got an answer to your question- “is it ok to put peroxide in your ear?” Follow us for more such content. Also, don’t forget to comment your thoughts below. Thank you!

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