Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Remove Earwax
Ear drops with hydrogen peroxide may be a safe, cost-effective, and easy-to-use treatment to help remove earwax buildup at home.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in liquid ear drops, known as cerumenolytics.
These are typically the first methods used to help treat an ear impaction, which may be caused by excess earwax. They may also be used to soften earwax before other treatments.
Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that helps protect your ear canal from water, infection, and irritants.
However, nearly 6% of people in the United States have cerumen impaction, which may cause:
Seeking prompt medical attention
If you experience any of the following symptoms, see a medical professional promptly because these are not symptoms of a wax impaction but could be a sign of a more serious cause:
acute pain
leaking of liquids
bleeding in your ear
Treating an ear wax impaction
Over-the-counter (OTC) cerumenolytic solutions typically contain 3% hydrogen peroxide. They release oxygen to soften, break up, or dissolve your earwax.
Carbamide peroxide is a commonly prescribed ear drop.
Ear drop treatment
Here's a general approach to using hydrogen peroxide ear drops:
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing the ceiling.
Administer the instructed number of drops into your ear canal. It's common to hear a crinkling, fizzling, or bubbling sound when the liquid solution enters your ear canal.
Keep still for 5 minutes or as long as the ear drops' guidelines state.
Sit up and lean over a sink to allow any liquid to leak out or use a tissue to blot the outer ear.
Repeat this process for your other ear if necessary.
The treatment amount, frequency, and duration may vary depending on the brand and solution type.
For example, you may need to administer your drops more than once per day over several days.
Always read the ear drop application guidelines.
Risks of using hydrogen peroxide ear drops
Speak with a doctor before using hydrogen peroxide ear drops, especially if you've had, or currently have, a ruptured ear drum, infection, or tympanostomy tubes.
In some cases, cerumenolytic solutions may cause:
ear canal infection
ear canal irritation, itchiness, or pain
contact dermatitis
Alternative treatments for earwax impaction
If hydrogen peroxide ear drops aren't doing the trick for you, speak with a doctor to discuss safe alternative earwax removal methods, such as:
irrigation
microsuction
manual removal, such as with a pic, curette, or alligator forceps
oil- or water-based ear drops
home remedies
It's important never to put objects cotton swabs and ear candles in your ears. Despite popular belief, these may push the earwax further into your ear and cause serious complications.
Frequently asked questions about hydrogen peroxide for earwax
Does hydrogen peroxide really dissolve ear wax?
Hydrogen peroxide eardrops can help soften earwax. They release oxygen to soften, break up, or dissolve your earwax. They may be available over-the-counter or in a stronger prescription form.
Hydrogen peroxide eardrops can help soften earwax. They release oxygen to soften, break up, or dissolve your earwax. They may be available over-the-counter or in a stronger prescription form.
How long should you leave hydrogen peroxide in your ear for it to be effective?
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Stay in this position for 5 to 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.
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. Stay in this position for 5 to 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.
Is it safe to put hydrogen peroxide in your ear?
Hydrogen peroxide eardrops are generally safe to use. Do not use hydrogen peroxide if you have an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or tympanostomy tubes in your ear.
Hydrogen peroxide eardrops are generally safe to use. Do not use hydrogen peroxide if you have an ear infection, a perforated eardrum, or tympanostomy tubes in your ear.
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