The Science Behind Hydrogen Peroxide and Ear Health This reaction manifests as a bubbling effect, akin to tiny fireworks in your ear canal, signaling that the solution is working its magic. The bubbles help to loosen and disintegrate earwax, making it easier to remove.
While not necessarily a “mistake”, a common misconception is that if hydrogen peroxide bubbles, it means your wound is infected. Hydrogen peroxide will bubble whether your wound is infected or not. A chemical reaction occurs while cleaning and creates little oxygen bubbles. Don't sweat over the bubbles.
Allow it to bubble and fizz. Once you are used to the feeling the solution should be left to bubble and fizz in the ear for up to one minute at a time, although when you first use it you may only tolerate the feeling for a few seconds. Tip solution out onto a tissue.
Using a hydrogen peroxide/water mixture in the ears is not effective for everybody, especially if their ear is completely blocked. It's fine if there's a little bit of wax that they're looking to remove, but it doesn't always clean it out.
"The hydrogen peroxide can sometimes loosen or dissolve the wax and help get rid of the water trapped in the ear canal," said Dr. Jethanamest. Do not use this method if you have an outer ear infection, perforated eardrum, or tympanostomy tubes (eardrum tubes).
The Science Behind Hydrogen Peroxide and Ear Health
When applied to the skin or ears, it reacts with catalase—an enzyme present in our tissues—to produce oxygen and water. This reaction manifests as a bubbling effect, akin to tiny fireworks in your ear canal, signaling that the solution is working its magic.
Patience is key when using hydrogen peroxide for ear clogs. Typically, you may experience relief within 10-15 minutes of application. However, depending on the severity of the blockage, it might take a few sessions over several days to completely clear the ear.
The negative effects of using hydrogen peroxide for clogged ears can include inflammation and earaches. If you do use too much, or you attempt this remedy too often, you can develop blisters and skin irritation.
If the aim is to completely break down the wax, waxsol, peroxide 3% or a sodium bicarbonate solution (which can be prepared by your local pharmacist) is effective.
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.
Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil. You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days.
They look at the opening of your Eustachian tube to see if it is functioning properly and check for signs of swelling or inflammation. Tympanometry test: This test uses a probe placed into your ear that gently changes the pressure against your eardrum.
To check if the hydrogen peroxide is still active, pour a small amount into a kitchen sink. If it fizzes or bubbles, it is still good.
When a solution of hydrogen peroxide is added to human blood the peroxide is decomposed and oxygen is evolved. This reaction has been used to oxygenate stored blood before transfusion (Nikitin, 1948).
This product should not be used to treat deep wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
You Can Try Putting Hydrogen Peroxide Drops into Your Ear
You might need to repeat this several times a day for a couple of days, but ultimately, the blockage should clear.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Make gentle circular movements on the outside of the ear to soften the blockage, thus facilitating its removal. Once the massage is finished, pull the ear slightly backward, from the lobe to the upper part. This massage can be particularly effective when combined with an olive oil treatment.
Sometimes, the ear produces more wax than hydrogen peroxide can handle. This excess wax can harden and block the ear canal completely.
If you're experiencing discomfort, flush out the excess hydrogen peroxide and earwax with warm water while standing in the shower, or use a bulb syringe. Consult a doctor if you have ongoing discomfort, and never use hydrogen peroxide if you suspect you have an ear infection or damaged eardrum.
Irrigating (gently rinsing) your ear canal can reduce the risk of earwax impaction. It involves using a rubber bulb syringe to squirt water or a saline solution into the ear canal. When the water or solution drains out of the ear, it also flushes out loose ear wax.