Hydrogen Peroxide in Ear: How Well Does It Work?

Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC
·5 min read

Sometimes Recommended for Earwax and Infection

Medically reviewed by Benjamin F. Asher, MD

Hydrogen peroxide, a liquid used for cleaning and personal care, can help soften earwax and make it easier to remove. Earwax is a natural substance the body produces to protect and keep the ears clean. It catches dust and dirt, keeping harmful substances away from the eardrum, and fights bacteria and fungus, preventing ear infections.

At times, too much earwax builds up and blocks the ear, causing itching, discomfort, plugged ears, or hearing problems.

This article reviews using hydrogen peroxide in the ears—its effectiveness for earwax removal, sounds you might hear when you use it, and what to do if hydrogen peroxide or other home remedies are not working.

<p>batuhan toker / Getty Images</p>

batuhan toker / Getty Images

Hydrogen Peroxide Ear Uses and Effectiveness

Hydrogen peroxide is a cerumenolytic agent that helps soften earwax, making it easier to remove. Putting hydrogen peroxide into your ear can effectively remove earwax, but it's essential to do it safely. Avoid this method if you have any ear problems, such as a perforated (tear or hole) eardrum, ear tubes, active dermatitis in your ear, an ear infection, or ear pain.



What Causes Excessive Earwax?

Typically, your body removes earwax naturally through jaw movements while chewing or talking, pushing it from the inner ear toward the outer ear. Excessive earwax can develop due to various reasons, such as:

  • Skin conditions like eczema

  • Irritation from using earbuds or hearing aids

  • Aging

  • Narrow ear canals



According to research studies, using a cerumenolytic agent is better than doing nothing to clear earwax. However, it's unclear whether one type of ear drop is better than others. The effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide may depend on the type of earwax (dry or wet), what's causing it, and how deep it is.

For stubborn earwax, consider gently rinsing the ear with warm water or taking a warm shower about 30 minutes after using hydrogen peroxide drops to help dislodge the wax. It's important to avoid using objects like cotton swabs or hairpins, as they can push wax deeper and cause harm.

If hydrogen peroxide does not work well for you, you can try the following household fluids to help soften and dissolve earwax:

  • Water (use distilled water if you have concerns about infection)

  • Saline (salt water solution)

  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda in water)

  • Acetic acid (half vinegar and half water)

  • Almond or mineral oil

Related: Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe to Use on Skin?

Hydrogen Peroxide Sounds You Might Hear and Why

The chemical makeup of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, meaning two parts hydrogen to two parts oxygen) is similar to water (H2O, meaning two parts hydrogen to one part oxygen), but with an extra oxygen molecule. When hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with bacteria, viruses, mold, and dirt, it releases this extra oxygen molecule, causing it to foam or bubble.

You might hear a fizzing or bubbling sound when placing hydrogen peroxide in the ear. This is normal as the hydrogen peroxide reacts with the earwax and releases oxygen. The bubbling action is part of what helps soften and loosen ear wax.

How to Pour Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Ear

Hydrogen peroxide typically comes in a 3% strength. Avoid concentrations higher than this, which could hurt your skin. The drops must be close to body temperature to avoid causing dizziness.

You can use two to three drops of hydrogen peroxide 15 to 30 minutes before irrigation (flushing ears with water) or several days in a row if not using irrigation. Limit use to five drops, two or three times daily, for up to 14 days.

The steps for pouring hydrogen peroxide to clean out earwax are as follows:

  1. Tilt your head: Tilt your head to the side so the ear faces upward.

  2. Insert the drops: Carefully insert a few drops into the ear canal using a dropper or syringe.

  3. Wait: Stay still and wait about five minutes, giving the drops time to work.

  4. Drain: Tilt your head to allow the solution to drain out. Place a clean tissue or towel over your ear to catch any runoff.

  5. Repeat: Repeat if necessary for the other ear.

Related: How to Use Ear Drops Correctly

When Hydrogen Peroxide in the Ear Is Not Working

Sometimes, when you use hydrogen peroxide in your ear to clean out earwax, it might feel like your ear is more clogged or plugged. The hydrogen peroxide’s bubbling action can cause a sense of fullness.

Also, as the earwax and debris dislodge from the ear canal, it can be harder for sound waves to pass through. But this sensation usually lessens as the hydrogen peroxide and earwax drain out of the ear canal.

If hydrogen peroxide or other home remedies don’t remove earwax, consider over-the-counter (OTC) cerumenolytic drops like the following:

  • Waxsol (docusate sodium)

  • Otoceril, Earex (almond oil, peanut oil, or rectified camphor oil)

  • Cerumol ear drops (peanut oil, chlorobutanol, turpentine oil)

  • Earex Advance (choline salicylate plus glycerol)

  • Debrox (carbamide peroxide)

You can also try ear irrigation to flush out earwax buildup with water or saline (salt water). It’s best to wait 15 to 30 minutes after using hydrogen peroxide to allow the wax to soften before irrigating the ear.

Consult a healthcare provider if at-home removal methods do not improve earwax buildup or if they worsen symptoms. This may indicate underlying issues like impacted earwax or infection.



Potential Side Effects of Cleaning Earwax With Hydrogen Peroxide

While using hydrogen peroxide to clean out earwax usually does not cause problems, potential side effects might include:

  • Temporary sensation of increased ear fullness or blockage

  • Irritation or discomfort in the ear canal

  • Itching or redness in the ear

  • Risk of ear infection if there is previous damage in the ear canal

  • Worsening of existing ear pain or discomfort



In rare cases, using tap water can lead to an ear infection. Consider using saline or distilled water to reduce the risk. You can also place a few drops of a half vinegar-half water solution or alcohol drops after irrigation to reduce the risk of infection.

Related: How to Unclog Your Ears

Summary

Hydrogen peroxide drops can help soften and loosen ear wax buildup, facilitating its removal. Other substances, such as warm salt water, mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, and carbamide peroxide drops, may soften earwax. Avoid using objects like cotton swabs or hairpins, which can push earwax deeper and cause harm.

If at-home methods fail to improve earwax buildup or if symptoms worsen, seek advice from a healthcare provider to avoid potential complications.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.