Hydrogen Peroxide for ear infections (TIPS & GUIDE)

Hydrogen peroxide is also called peridrol fluid which is used to remove ear wax (cerumen) and clean the inside of the ear. However, please be careful when use of Hydrogen Peroxide for ear infections.

The reason is because a possibility that fluid is left in the ear and makes the inside environment humid. A moist ear canal can constantly become a hotbed of bacterial growth.

How to use Hydrogen Peroxide for ear infections

1. Preparation

Prepare a work post to clean the ears. You will lie on your back during ear cleaning so prepare all the necessary equipment within your reach. Spread the towel on the floor where the head rests. Then, put a small bowl of 3% hydrogen peroxide, a medical pipette, and a small towel not far from you.

2. Lie down, make yourself comfortable as possible

Lay on your back with your head turned to the side. Then Lie down with your head resting on a towel that has been stretched. Tilt your head to the side so that the ears to be cleaned face up.

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3.Put Small tower on the shoulder

Before starting the cleaning, place a small towel on the shoulder side of the ear to be cleaned. This towel will protect clothes from stains and hold the solution used to clean ears.
You can also spread a plastic sheet under the towel before starting. This helps to keep the clothes and floor clean.

4. Measure Correctly Hydrogen Peroxide

Drop 1-3 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the ear. Take 1-3 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide solution with a pipette, and drop it into the ear canal. For 3 ml it will takes around 2-3 droplets.

You will hear a hiss, and this is normal. Even though it feels a bit ticklish, try to stay relaxed. Let the solution remain in the ears for 3-5 minutes.

  • If it helps, you can pull the tip of the earlobe to widen the opening of the ear canal when dripping solution.
  • Do not press the dropper into the ear canal when dripping. The ear canal is very sensitive and easily damaged due to pressure.

5. Drain the solution from the ear to a small towel.

When it’s 3-5 minutes later, take a small towel and hold it until it covers the cleaned ear hole. After that, sit down and tilt your head so that excess solution and ear wax comes out (which should be clearly visible) to the towel. Dry the outside of the ear with a towel if needed.
Repeat the cleaning process on the other ear.

6. Another Quick Alternative

Use the shower method if in a hurry. If you have a little time, drop a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into each ear 10 minutes before taking a shower. You don’t need to lie down. The solution will soften the ear wax, and be swept along with other impurities while bathing. Dry the outside of the ear with a clean towel when drying yourself.

Here are videos that show how to use Hydrogen Peroxide for ear infections

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Caution when using peroxides

Hydrogen peroxides for ear cleansing
Bottle of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide

Gradually Clean the ear with Hydrogen Peroxide

Clean the ear with hydrogen peroxide twice a week at first. Ear wax is actually normal and has antibacterial properties to keep the ear healthy.

Most people with normal ear wax production no need to clean their ears with hydrogen peroxide more than twice a week.

  • After two weeks of cleaning twice a week, switch to cleaning twice per month, then after two months, switch to cleaning twice per year.
  • Consult this ear cleaning with a doctor. Excessive cleaning can often damage the ear so you should discuss the reasons you want to do regular cleaning with your doctor.
  • Ask your doctor about ear cleaning devices, such as Debrox.
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Avoid using cotton bud for the ears.

Ear wax normally only covers the outer third of the ear canal, but the cotton wool actually pushes the ear wax deeper than it should. Over time, this can cause congestion of solid ear wax near the eardrum that can really interfere with hearing.

Doctors also suggest not to use cotton bud in cleaning the ears, as well as other objects, such as hair pins.

Avoid peroxide cleansing if you have ear tubes.

If you have had surgery that involves inserting ear tubes, try not to use peroxide to clean the ears. Although it can overcome recurrent ear infections, this tube actually uses a permanent hole through the drum to allow air to pass through the middle ear. Peroxide cleansing will cause fluid to leak into the middle ear and cause complications or infection.

To clean ears with ears tube, use clean tissue to wipe off excess ear wax coming out of the ear canal hole. It’s a good idea to get absolutely no water into your ears.

See a doctor if you experience ear pain or strange fluid appears.

Although ear wax is usually normal, if it is excessive and also come with pain and a strange fluid, you should immediately see a doctor for examination.

Ear that is too hot to the touch or accompanied by fever also needs to be examined by a doctor.

Side Effects and Risk of Hydrogen Peroxide

Despite having many benefit, hydrogen peroxide also has the potential to harm the body and the environment, especially when used carelessly.

If used as a medicine, then make sure the use has the appropriate dosage and instructions from the doctor. So far, hydrogen peroxide has only been used as an external medicine applied to the skin or dropped on the ear. Hydrogen peroxide is not safe to use as a medicine to drink or swallow.

Here are some of the risk of hydrogen peroxide that we have to understand:

  • If a product with high hydrogen peroxide levels is swallowed, it can cause stomach irritation or ulcers accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or even vomiting of blood (hematemesis).
  • Avoid using drugs with hydrogen peroxide content to treat deep or serious burns, as this can cause widespread burns.
  • If exposed to the eye, it can cause irritation and swelling in the eye. If the concentration is high, the liquid hydrogen peroxide can even cause permanent eye damage. Rinse immediately with clean water for 15-30 minutes if hydrogen peroxide accidentally hits the eye.
  • Hydrogen peroxide inhaled too much can cause respiratory tract irritation, coughing, shortness of breath, to the swelling of the lungs.
  • Hydrogen peroxide poisoning can cause several symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and digestive sores.
  • If you want to use hydrogen peroxide as a cleaner, make sure you use it according to the instructions for use listed on the packaging.

Bottom Line – Hydrogen Peroxide for ear infections

While hydrogen peroxide can also cause harmful effects if used carelessly and not according to the dosage recommended by doctors. The use of excessive hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation or peptic ulcers, gas embolism, allergic reactions, irritation to the eye, if used in burns can cause these injuries more widely.

So you should more carefully about using hydrogen peroxide in treating your ear canal. use at right he dosage and method of use are appropriate as directed by your doctor. But if you are still in doubt, you can consult directly with the doctor who treats you to inquire further about the use of Hydrogen Peroxide for ear infections.


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