We’ve all experienced at some point a fullness in our ears that we’ve contributed to a build-up of earwax. Instead of sticking a cotton swab in your ear (which you should never do) you may be tempted to try hydrogen peroxide. Whether from an online source or from a beloved family member, you may have heard that hydrogen peroxide is an effective alternative to removing earwax or relieving irritation.
Before you buy a bottle of peroxide, it’s important to know how safe it is to put in your ears and what the best method for removing earwax really is.
Can I Put Peroxide in My Ears?
While you can use hydrogen peroxide as an alternative to cotton swabs for removing earwax, you should be careful. Even in safe concentrations it’s possible to put too much hydrogen peroxide into the ears. A generic rule is that you should not put more than 10 drops of peroxide in one ear at a time.
Can Peroxide Harm My Ears?
Hydrogen peroxide can cause skin irritation and blistering if used in too large of a quantity or too frequently. It can even cause burns at concentrations over 10%. Using too much hydrogen peroxide inside the ear can lead to inflammation and earaches.
What Is the Safest Way to Unclog My Ears?
The safest and most effective way to unclog your ears is to visit a certified hearing specialist. If your ears feel full or you are having a hard time hearing due to a build-up of earwax (conductive hearing loss), then contact us today. We have special tools in office that can safely and quickly remove earwax.
Another alternative for safely removing earwax is to purchase over-the-counter ear drops. Ear drops are a safer method for loosening hard earwax compared to hydrogen peroxide.
When it comes to your ears, you always want to be careful. Our sense of hearing is an important way in which we effectively communicate with our friends, family members, and coworkers. Sticking foreign objects in your ears or using chemicals to remove earwax can be potentially harmful and could damage your hearing.
Contact Us To Schedule Your Appointment
If your ears feel full, you’re having a hard time hearing, or it feels like there is something wrong with the inside of your ear, contact us today. We can perform an ear exam and look inside your ears to see what the problem is. If you have a build-up of earwax that is bothering you, we can quickly and safely remove it in our office.
Don’t risk your hearing, contact us for an appointment today!
