{"id":7946,"date":"2021-01-15T22:42:20","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T22:42:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/househearing.fm1.dev\/?p=7946"},"modified":"2021-01-15T22:42:20","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T22:42:20","slug":"should-you-use-hydrogen-peroxide-to-treat-earwax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/househearing.com\/should-you-use-hydrogen-peroxide-to-treat-earwax\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Earwax?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve all been warned against the dangers of removing earwax with Q-tips, and we\u2019ve also seen the research showing that ear candling is dangerous and not effective at removing wax. This has caused many to turn to other methods of earwax removal, including rinsing out the ear canals with hydrogen peroxide, but is this practice safe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Does Earwax Need to Be Removed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Healthy ears produce earwax, which plays the important role of lubricating the ear canals to prevent them from becoming dry and itchy as well as trapping debris. In most cases, earwax does not need to be cleaned or removed<\/a>, as it will fall out on its own thanks to jaw movements when talking and chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Earwax only needs to be removed if it becomes impacted<\/a>. Symptoms of impacted earwax include earache, itchy ear, infection, hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. Impacted earwax should be removed at a doctor\u2019s office by an expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you feel your earwax is unsightly or you want it gone before your date at Sawyer<\/a>, there are safe ways to clean it at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hydrogen peroxide can help soften and dissolve earwax. In general, hydrogen peroxide has a good safety profile when used properly. Most OTC hydrogen peroxide solutions have a 3% concentration, while OTC ear drops contain about 6.5% carbamide peroxide, which contains hydrogen peroxide but also releases oxygen to soften the wax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While generally safe in low concentrations, some people experience side effects like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n