Ear infections come in many levels depending on the section of the ear involved. For instances, swimmer's ear encompasses only the outer portion of the ear canal. A middle ear infection, known as acute otits media, affects the area behind the eardrum. There are some situations where hydrogen peroxide is an effective way to treat and clean the ear--however, ear infections is not on that list.
Structure of the Ear
The ear divides into three main compartments: outer, middle and inner. The outer ear helps locate sound and determine the direction of the sound origin. The outer ear begins at the opening of the ear canal and continues to just before the eardrum. Behind this ear drum is the middle ear which houses the membrane and ossicles, or bones that conduct sound vibrations. The inner ear sits near the brain and holds the cochlea and structures that provide equilibrium.
Infections
An infection occurs when one section of the ear becomes invaded by bacterium or viruses. Symptoms of an ear infection include a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, pain, drainage from the ear canal, fever and difficulty balancing or dizziness. Chronic ear infections present many risks. A reoccurring infection can lead to perforation of the ear drum, scarring and erosion of the tiny bones in the middle ear plus damage to the cochlea and mastoid. Severe infections can cause brain abscess and cholesteatoma. A cholesteatoma is a cyst that forms from skin that can further damage the ear structure.
Risks of Hydrogen Peroxide With Ear Infections
Hydrogen peroxide is a common solution for washing the ear canal to break up wax buildup. The problem with an ear infection is it is difficult to know how serious it may be. Symptomatically, a mild infection may feel the same as a more serious middle ear infection. The eardrum works as protection to the delicate structures in the middle and inner ear. With infection, this protective barrier may have a hole or perforation. Pouring hydrogen peroxide into an infected ear may carry bacteria from the outer canal into the middle and inner ear though that hole. What was a minor infection has the potential of becoming something more serious or even life-threatening such as a brain abscess. It is never a good idea to attempt to treat an ear infection with hydrogen peroxide.
Treatment for Ear Infections
Most ear infections require medical treatment and antibiotics. When you have an ear infection, take an over-the-counter medication to manage pain. Additionally, you can try a hot water bottle on the outside of the ear; the heat may help relieve pain and draw out fluid. When you have an ear infection, avoid swimming, flying, ear plugs and getting water in the ear during a bath or shower.
Proper Use of Hydrogen Peroxide
The only proper time to put hydrogen peroxide in either ear canal is when you have a wax blockage. One or two drops of peroxide into the ear may help soften a wax plug so that it slides out. MayoClinic.com recommends putting the solution in the canal once or twice a day for up to five days. After day one or two, flush the canal with a syringe of warm water. Dry the outer ear with a clean towel or hair dryer set to low.
