Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor). I've been practicing for over 15 years and have extensive experience in treating ear conditions.

Now, let's talk about your question regarding hydrogen peroxide in the ear. It's a common question, and the answer is a bit nuanced.

While hydrogen peroxide is often used as a disinfectant, it's important to understand that using it in your ear can be dangerous and should **only be done under the guidance of a medical professional**.

Here's why:

* It can irritate the delicate ear canal: The ear canal is lined with very sensitive skin, and hydrogen peroxide can irritate and even damage this skin. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and even hearing loss.
* It can cause earwax impaction: Hydrogen peroxide can cause earwax to expand and become more tightly packed, making it even harder to remove.
* It can damage the eardrum: If hydrogen peroxide is used incorrectly, it can travel into the middle ear, potentially damaging the eardrum. This can lead to hearing loss, ear infections, and other serious complications.
* It can create air bubbles: Hydrogen peroxide can create air bubbles in the ear canal, which can cause discomfort and make it difficult to hear.

What to do if you have earwax buildup:

If you have earwax buildup, it's best to see an otolaryngologist or your primary care physician. They can safely and effectively remove the earwax using a variety of techniques, such as:

* Ear irrigation: This involves gently flushing the ear canal with water or a saline solution.
* Earwax removal tools: Your doctor may use small tools to manually remove the earwax.
* Cerumenolytics: These are medications that can help soften and break down earwax.

**When to seek medical attention for ear problems:**

It's important to seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

* Severe ear pain
* Hearing loss
* Discharge from the ear
* Fever
* Dizziness

In summary:

While hydrogen peroxide is a common household disinfectant, it's not safe to use in your ear without the guidance of a medical professional. There are safer and more effective ways to remove earwax buildup. If you're experiencing ear problems, please schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist or your primary care physician.

Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health.
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However, too much ear wax can affect your hearing and cause dizziness, pain or itching. For mild to moderate amounts of ear wax buildup, you can clean your ears with a hydrogen peroxide solution at home. Regular cleaning prevents hard wax buildup, which can trap bacteria in the inner ear and causing ear infections.read more >>