Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Infections / Wax – The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear for an ear infection? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is a solution (liquid) that can be used to treat ear infections or the build-up of wax. It is generally safe to use in all ears. Do not use if it irritates you or causes pain. You can buy 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide from your local chemist – no prescription is required.

How long does hydrogen peroxide take to soften ear wax? Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Stay in this position for 5-10 minutes to allow the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate and soften the earwax. Afterward, tilt your head to allow the excess solution to drain onto a tissue or cotton ball.

“When it's a plug, putting peroxide in your ear may make things worse because you're softening the plug but not dissolving or removing it,” Dr. Nguyen-Huynh says. “Then the softened plug becomes like a wall of mud that can plug your ear even more.”

Patients should know that rinsing the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide results in oxygen bubbling off and water being left behind-wet, warm ear canals make good incubators for growth of bacteria. Flushing the ear canal with rubbing alcohol displaces the water and dries the canal skin.

People should not poke anything into the ear to remove earwax, but gently dripping hydrogen peroxide, ear drops, or baby oil into the ear will soften the wax, which may cause it to come out. Earwax, also called cerumen, serves an essential function in the body.

Also, peroxide becomes water and oxygen once it reacts with substances like protein and fat. Water isn't great for the ear canal skin, and prolonged exposure can lead to infection (swimmer's ear) by breaking down the skin's natural protective function.

Compared to Hydrogen Peroxide's multiple risks, detailed above, it is clear that Earol Olive Oil Spray is a safer choice for the sensitive skin of the ears.

Conclusion. In conclusion, ear infections are a common health issue that can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The strongest antibiotics for ear infections include Amoxicillin, Cefdinir, Cefuroxime, and Ciprofloxacin.

How to get rid of inner ear inflammation? ›

Luckily, there are several home remedies for ear infections you can use to relieve symptoms like pain, swelling, and fever. Warm compresses, as well as over-the-counter pain medication and ear drops can all help alleviate ear pain. Getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help the healing process, too.

Pillow ear is ear pain caused by pressure on certain parts of your ear for extended periods of time.

Anything that causes the eustachian tubes to become swollen or blocked makes more fluid build up in the middle ear behind the eardrum. Some causes are: Allergies. Colds and sinus infections.

Your physician may recommend the following: Irrigate your ear canal liberally with a 1:1 mixture of rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. This can be done twice daily for active infections or every other day for maintenance. Use a generous amount enough to fill the canal.

Basic understanding of the ear structure and how fluid usually drains can be helpful. Effective home remedies for safe fluid drainage include jiggling the earlobe, using gravity, creating a vacuum, using a blow dryer, trying ear drops or sprays, trying more water, inhaling steam, and gargling with saltwater.

Additionally, hydrogen peroxide may cause residual bubbling in the ears that can interfere with ear examinations. So, avoid using this chemical if you have an ear infection or a perforated eardrum unless your doctor asks you to do so.