With the scientific name cerumen, ear wax plays an essential role for the maintenance of the ear. It contains antibacterial and anti fungal properties helping to prevent infections. It also cleans and lubricates the ear. The lack of earwax can cause itchiness and dryness. Although ear wax is necessary and part of the body’s natural metabolic process; too much ear wax can cause complications and infection.
What is Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide compound (H2O2) used in medicine has cleansing properties. It can also be used for the cleansing of ear wax. To use hydrogen peroxide for removing ear wax, you should make certain that you do not suffer from any ear problems such as an infection in the ear, fluid discharge, hearing impairment, severe ear pain, or perforated ear drums.
Steps for using hydrogen peroxide to remove ear wax
For the removal of ear wax, two different levels can be considered. Deeper ear was removal using the hard-core method and the light method for small amounts of ear wax.
- You will need to have at your disposal 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide; olive or almond oil, a towel, eye dropper, bowls, cotton balls, and bulb aspirator. The hydrogen peroxide concentration should be diluted with water in equal measure; one part H2O2 and one part filtered water
- Tilt your head such that the ear that is going to be cleaned is facing the ceiling
- Using the eye dropper, insert 2 to 3 drops of oil either olive or almond into the ear
- Hold the position for a few minutes and then and 2 to 3 drops of the diluted hydrogen peroxide
- Keep the same position until the bubbling stops
- To drain the ear make use a bulb aspirator filled with warm water then tilt your head sideways such that the treated ear is just over the sink.
- Place the bulb at a 45 degree angle and then squeeze the warm water into the ear
- Flush out the loosened ear wax from the ear
- Use a towel to dry the ear and repeat the same procedure for the other ear
If the ear wax had build up in the ear quite substantially multiple applications may be necessary. A quicker method for removing ear was when there is a light concentration is to dip a cotton swab into a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide and apply the moistened cotton into the outside of the ear and gently circling it around the inside of the ear canal. In this procedure, y ou should be careful not to push the cotton swab further into the ear canal than necessary as it can be dangerous.
When cleaning the ear, you should always have in mind that inner parts of the ear are very delicate and have to be treated with care. Make use of cotton swab only if there is a light build up of ear wax to avoid pushing the ear wax deeper into the canal. If you are not able to clean the ear wax with the method mentioned and there is substantial build up, professional help should be sought.
Ear wax removal hydrogen peroxide – Is it safe ?
Hydrogen peroxide is not recommended to someone who is having history of ear related problems but otherwise doctor’s always recommend it for ear wax removal as it is completely safe.
