How to use hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing process?

Using hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing is no new trick! It has been used as a home remedy for years together. Also, if you check the constituents of any of the noted ear drops, you will find hydrogen peroxide as one of the chemicals used. Having said that, not everyone is aware of its correct usage techniques, its safety levels, or the risks associated with its constant usage.

This article will give you a detailed idea about how to use hydrogen peroxide to clean your ear and the remedy to make it at home. To start off with –

How to use hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing?

You might have an idea that your ear cleanses itself naturally by producing earwax, medically referred to as cerumen. Being a hydrophobic protective covering, this shields the external canal of the year from any foreign invasion (from germs to water). In fact, it has both antibacterial and antifungal qualities.

However, at times the earwax produced is greater than the required amount. At such times, you might face some unwanted impacts such as – the fullness of ears, dizziness and itchiness. This is when you can use hydrogen peroxide in ear cleaning.

You can buy a hydrogen peroxide solution with 3% constituent from any medical shop without a prescription. Also, you will have to use it twice daily, 5-10 drops for four days. Now –

• You will have to draw close to 1-3 ml of hydrogen peroxide solution into a dropper.
• Place your head on the side. Now pour this solution into your ear. You might feel a tingling sensation, but that is normal.
• When the solution fizzes, you must take a tissue and tip it out.

However, once you have become used to it, you will no longer need to tip it out.

• Once you are done with one ear, repeat it with the other ear as well.

Have you understood how to use hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing? In that case, when you buy the solution from a chemist, you can use it correctly. So, let’s try to look into the other factors –

Is it safe to use?

Researchers have not put up any massive concerns about using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning your ears. Nothing is good in excess, and you must not go overboard since that could be harmful. Here are some cautions to exercise –

What caution to remember while using this?

When you are using hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing, make sure that the concentration is under 10% (technically, 3% hydrogen peroxide). If you are choosing a solution with other constituents as well, ensure that the over-the-counter ear drop has close to 6.5% of carbamide peroxide.

Also, ensure that you do not overdo it since in concentrations over 10%, you may have to face side effects such as – ear inflammation, ear blisters, dizziness, tinnitus, temporary hearing loss and unwanted ear discharge. You might just develop a temporary bitter taste as well.

In case you realise that you have poured in a little too much hydrogen peroxide than the recommended dosage, rinse your ear with water immediately.

Apart from this, you will have to be cautious about its interference with antibiotic ear drops.

• If you are using an antibiotic ear drop along with the regular hydrogen peroxide one, then there has to be a minimum 30-minute gap between the two. Our medical experts suggest that you first use the hydrogen peroxide drop, and then after 30 minutes (if you can manage it up to 60 minutes, that would be great), you may use the antibiotic drops.
• In case you are using hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing as a precautionary measure, then you will have to use it once daily for 2 weeks to derive the best results.

How to make it at home?

Though it is suggested that you buy the ear wax removal solution from a chemist, in case you wish to prepare it at home, the process is simple. You will have to mix distilled water with hydrogen peroxide solution in a 1:1 ratio and put it in a bottle. Let it rest for 4-5 hours before you use it. Always shake the bottle before using it.

Overall, you will have to make sure that the solution must have 3% hydrogen peroxide content and 97% water content.

What are the alternatives to this technique?

Though, without a doubt, the usage of hydrogen peroxide in ear cleansing is one of the best ways to remove earwax, there are alternative home-created techniques that you may try.

• There are an ample amount of ear softeners available in the market which has constituents of acetic acid, sodium bicarbonate, docusate sodium or camphor-based earwax softener.
• You may use warm olive oil or baby oil to unclog your ears.
• You can also use nasal decongestants to unclog your ears.
• Flushing your ear with saline water is also another way to remove earwax at home.
• Lastly, despite using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning your ear, you can take a steam compress or a hot shower for 5-10 minutes so that the steam enters your ears and enhances the unclogging process.

However, if the symptoms persist for more than 3-4 days, despite all these techniques, it is best if you consult a professional.

Summing up

Now that you have a brief idea about how to use hydrogen peroxide in ear cleaning, you may surely apply the technique accordingly. However, if the problem persists for more than 3 days, it is best to consult a professional. If you have any doubts or queries about this process, do let us know.