Is it Safe to Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Wash Out an Ear?

Ear wax is usually helpful and can prevent foreign objects from entering the ear. Too much ear wax buildup, however, can cause hearing loss and pain in the eardrum. Hydrogen peroxide is an acidic liquid that helps soften ear wax.

Function

Hydrogen peroxide is recommended by the Mayo Clinic for use in the ear, to help soften ear wax. The Mayo Clinic suggests using an eyedropper to place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in the blocked ear twice a day to help soften the wax.

Types

Hydrogen peroxide is very strong in its pure form, and is sold at drugstores and grocery stores as a diluted solution, usually 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution.

Time Frame

The Mayo Clinic suggests treating the ear with hydrogen peroxide no longer than four to five days.

Considerations

Some ear wax blockage is so compacted and hard that the peroxide will get caught between the ear wax and the eardrum rather than dissolving the wax.

Warning

If the ear wax blockage has not cleared within four to five days, contact your doctor to have your ear irrigated professionally.

Conclusion

It is safe to use hydrogen peroxide to wash out an ear if you follow the guidelines above. Consult your doctor for any other concerns you may have.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Earwax Blockage
• Doctor Hoffman: Ear Wax FAQ

Resources

• Intelihealth: Wax Blockage of the Ear Canal

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Photo Credit

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of David Goehring