Hydrogen peroxide has long been used as a way to soothe ear pain, treat ear infections and more. Hydrogen peroxide is a liquid, very pale blue in color. It is also a highly reactive chemical, with the formulation H2O2. Hydrogen peroxide is sold over the counter and is very inexpensive. Many people have found it to be a staple of their medicine cabinet, as it can be used on cuts and scrapes. It promotes fast healing.

Benefits and Cautions of Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear

Hydrogen peroxide can be a wonderful addition to your first aid kit or medicine cabinet. Just as there are a many great benefits, there are also a few precautions. We'll start with the good things that hydrogen peroxide can do.

The Benefits

1. Remove Wax. Wax builds up in your ear over time. Though this is normal, it can sometimes become bothersome if the wax builds up enough that it obstructs your hearing or feels uncomfortable. Hydrogen peroxide can soften the wax and aid in removing it.
2. Treat Ear Infection. Hydrogen peroxide is excellent at killing bacteria, and so it can often help treat an infection in your ear. This is especially good for small scrapes or cuts inside the ear.
3. Prevent Colds and Flu. Some believe that putting small amounts of hydrogen peroxide in your ears can help you prevent colds or make them less severe. This might allow the hydrogen peroxide to enter your nasal area, thus killing bacteria there.
4. Heal Pierced Ears. Pierced ears are prone to infection until they heal. The antibacterial action of hydrogen peroxide means you can have pierced ears without worry about infections.

The Cautions

There are a few things to keep in mind about hydrogen peroxide use. If you have severe ear pain, a discharge of fluid from your ear or notice that your hearing isn't as good as it should be, don't use hydrogen peroxide - consult a doctor instead. This could be a case of severe ear blockage, and that means you could need more intense medical treatment. If you have very sensitive skin, it isn't a good idea to use hydrogen peroxide to remove ear wax. When you do use it, make sure the solution is a diluted, three percent concentration at the most.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Earwax Removal

Earwax can be easily removed with the help of hydrogen peroxide. Here's how:

1. Things you will need: almond or olive oil, diluted hydrogen peroxide, cotton balls, bulb aspirator, eye dropper and a towel.
2. Procedures:
   • Tilt your head so your affected ear is pointing upward.
   • Place a towel on your shoulder to absorb any spilled liquid.
   • Add two or three drops of oil to the ear with the eye dropper.
   • Wait for a few moments, then apply two or three drops of hydrogen peroxide to the ear.
   • Wait until the bubbling stops.
   • Turn your head so that the ear you treated is now facing down toward the sink.
   • Fill the bulb aspirator with warm water and hold it at a 45-degree angle to your ear. Squirt the warm water gently into your ear.

This will flush out the earwax. Use the towel to dry your ear.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Ear Infection Treatment

If you have an infection in your outer ear, hydrogen peroxide can help.

1. Things you will need: hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, eye dropper, cotton balls, bulb aspirator, warm water and a towel.
2. Procedures:
   • Tilt your head so that your ear is facing the ceiling. Using an eye dropper, apply two or three drops of hydrogen peroxide to the ear.
   • Wait while the bubbling or foam happens, which would take 10 to 15 minutes.
   • Tilt your head to the other side and let the solution pour out.
   • Every few days, use the bulb aspirator to flush out any earwax that has accumulated.
   • Dip a cotton ball into rubbing alcohol and squeeze a bit into the ear, then let it drain out.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Colds and Flu Prevention

Hydrogen peroxide has been known to help lessen or eliminate colds. Here's how:

1. Things you will need: Eyedropper, towel, 3% hydrogen peroxide, Q-Tips
2. Procedures:
   • Lie down on the bed or floor. Put the towel underneath you to catch any drips.
   • Using the eyedropper, apply about ¼ of the eyedropper full of hydrogen peroxide to your ear.
   • Lie still and let the bubbling subside. This could take several minutes.
   • Use Q-Tips to clean your ear.
   • Repeat with the other ear. Do this up to three times daily.

Hydrogen Peroxide for Pierced Ear Healing

If you recently got your ears pierced, this can help keep them clean and free of infection:

1. Things you will need: hydrogen peroxide, clean cotton swabs
2. Procedures:
   • Wash your hands with soap to keep them clean.
   • Dip the clean cotton swab into the hydrogen peroxide.
   • Swirl it around the pierced hole, being sure to touch all areas.
   • Let it dry on its own.
   • Do this three times per day until the ear is healed.

Remember, if you experience significant pain, fluid flowing from the ear or any problems with your hearing, don't use these home remedies. Instead, speak with a doctor about what the problem might be and how you can solve it.