Many over-the-counter ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide because it effectively dissolves ear wax. Why does this happen? Put simply, when the oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide makes contact with the ear wax, it creates bubbles that cause the wax to soften and break down.
Continue reading to learn more about this common chemical and its role in ear wax removal. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions on how to safely use hydrogen peroxide to treat ear wax build-up.
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What is hydrogen peroxide?
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a chemical compound available in various grades or concentrations, depending on its intended use. The simplest of all the peroxides, it’s generally a colourless liquid (although it can appear blue in its purest form) that’s thermodynamically unstable.
Hydrogen peroxide has a range of household and industrial applications. As an antiseptic and mild oxidising acid, it’s often used to clean and disinfect wounds. This is because the compound kills microbes through the oxidation process without damaging human tissue. Hydrogen peroxide is also a common ingredient in many household cleaning products and detergents.
In industry, the chemical is used to bleach items such as paper, wood pulp, cotton, and other textiles. It also acts as an oxidising agent in rocket propellants.
Hydrogen peroxide is useful in many applications because it easily releases oxygen. Being a relatively unstable compound, it readily decomposes into water and oxygen when pressure is low or when it comes into contact with nucleation sites.
Hydrogen peroxide for ear wax removal
Hydrogen peroxide is a common active ingredient in many medical and cosmetic products, including ear drops. Despite its higher polarity compared to water, the substance is good at removing non-polar lipids of ear wax.
Ear wax serves as a protective barrier against foreign substances like dust. It also protects the ear from loud noises and has antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, excessive ear wax can cause hearing problems and should be removed periodically.
How hydrogen peroxide dissolves ear wax
So exactly how does hydrogen peroxide dissolve ear wax? As the hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the ear wax, the latter serves as a nucleation site and releases oxygen. The oxygen creates bubbles, which then help to soften and break down the excess ear wax.
Advantages of using hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide has antiseptic properties, which means it can prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. It’s also capable of dissolving both polar and nonpolar substances. Although these are important advantages, using hydrogen peroxide for ear wax removal may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re in any doubt, always consult a medical professional.
Safety precautions
As a safety precaution, always keep hydrogen peroxide away from ignition sources such as flames or sparks. Do not expose the chemical to high heat or light because this can accelerate the decomposition process. You should also avoid mixing hydrogen peroxide with acids and alkalis.
How to safely use hydrogen peroxide for ear wax
If you’re considering using hydrogen peroxide for ear wax removal, here are some guidelines to help you do it safely:
Step-by-step guide
- Use a sterile syringe or dropper to draw 1-3 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution
- Lie down on your side with the affected ear facing up
- Gently squeeze the syringe and allow the solution to fill the ear
- Let the liquid seep into the ear wax for around one minute. Avoid using foreign objects like cotton buds to clean the ear as this can push the wax further into the ear canal
- Blot your ear to remove any excess liquid
- Repeat the process daily as necessary. Over time, the hydrogen peroxide should cause the ear wax to break down and dislodge naturally.
Over-the-counter 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is generally safe to use. However, if you start to experience any pain or discomfort, stop using it immediately and consult your pharmacist or doctor. You shouldn’t use hydrogen peroxide if you have an ear infection.
Alternatives to hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn’t the only way to remove ear wax; there are a few other alternatives you may want to try. However, if there’s a significant build-up of ear wax and it has hardened, you may need to have it removed by a professional healthcare provider.
Other safe methods for ear wax removal
Another safe method of removing ear wax is to use a bulb syringe, a rubber object you can use to squirt water gently into your ear to remove wax.
Although you can use it yourself, you may find it easier to ask someone to do it for you. When using a bulb syringe, allow warm water to drip slowly into the ear canal – never forcefully flush the ear wax as it can cause dizziness.
Alternatively, you may want to use other ear-cleaning liquids such as over-the-counter ear drops, olive oil or almond oil (do not use almond oil if you’re allergic to almonds). Again, avoid forcefully flushing the ear wax.
When to seek professional help
You should seek professional help if you’re suffering from excessive ear wax and you can’t hear properly. You should also consult your doctor if the ear is painful or if you suspect you may have an infection.
Conclusion
In most cases, you can safely use hydrogen peroxide to remove a build-up of ear wax. The hydrogen peroxide adds oxygen to the wax, which then causes it to bubble and soften. You can also use olive oil or water and a rubber bulb syringe to remove excess ear wax. However, if there’s excessive hardened ear wax or you’re experiencing signs of an infection, you’ll need to consult a medical professional.
