Should I use hydrogen peroxide to remove earwax?

Hydrogen peroxide is effective in softening and removing earwax when used properly. However, overusing it can lead to damage to the ear.

Earwax is a natural part of the body, which protects the ears from dirt, bacteria and small insects. However, when too much earwax accumulates, it can cause ringing in the ears, itching, and even affect hearing, according to the health website Verywell Health .

Brandi Jones, a health care expert in the US, said that hydrogen peroxide is one of the solutions that can soften and effectively remove earwax if used properly.

However, misuse or overuse of hydrogen peroxide can lead to the risk of ear damage or even hearing loss.

Hydrogen peroxide is one of the solutions that can soften and effectively remove earwax if used properly.

Photo: AI

Hydrogen peroxide softens earwax.

Hydrogen peroxide is an earwax softener because it releases oxygen molecules when it comes into contact with organic matter such as bacteria, dirt, mold, or earwax. This reaction creates a bubbling and hissing sound in the ear. This bubbling helps soften and break down the earwax, making it easier to dislodge from the ear canal.

When used in the correct dosage, hydrogen peroxide can help remove earwax buildup without the need for medical intervention.

You can put hydrogen peroxide in your ear twice a day, for up to four consecutive days. Each time you use it, follow your doctor's instructions.

Photo: AI

Using an earwax softener will be more effective than leaving it alone or trying to remove earwax with sharp objects.

However, the effectiveness of hydrogen peroxide depends on the type of earwax (dry or wet), its location, and the cause of the buildup.

How to use hydrogen peroxide safely

Hydrogen peroxide used to clean ears usually has a concentration of 3%. Do not use a solution with a higher concentration because it can easily damage the skin and mucous membranes of the ear.

The solution temperature also needs to be close to body temperature to avoid dizziness during use.

You can put hydrogen peroxide in your ear twice a day, for up to 4 consecutive days. Each time you use it, you need to follow the doctor's instructions, specifically:

• Tilt your head so that the ear to be cleaned is facing up.
• Using a clean dropper, put about 4-5 drops into the ear.
• Hold the position for 5 minutes to allow the solution to work.
• Tilt your head back to let the solution drain out.
• Use a clean cloth to absorb the liquid.

After about 15-30 minutes, you can gently rinse your ear with warm water. If you need to clean both ears, you can repeat the process with the other side. Never use objects such as cotton swabs, hairpins, or sharp objects to remove earwax because they can easily push the wax deeper or scratch the ear canal.

Although hydrogen peroxide can be effective in cleaning ears, it is not recommended for everyone.

People with ear problems such as perforated eardrums, ear tubes, otitis externa, infections or earaches should avoid using it as it can make the condition worse or even cause hearing loss if the solution gets behind the eardrum.

In addition to keeping your ears clean properly, you should avoid overusing earbuds and not cleaning your ears frequently.

When there are symptoms such as persistent ear itching, hearing loss, feeling of fullness in the ear or prolonged pain, you should see an ENT specialist for safe treatment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-nen-su-dung-o-xy-gia-lay-ray-tai-185250719145141229.htm