Does hydrogen perxiode really cure ear infections?

Question

Does hydrogen perxiode really cure ear infections?

Answer 1

Every time I've used it, it has, and every time I've told someone else to it has as well, but I only have a total sample size of about 15 trials.

Based off of that, I believe it works, but that's not concrete proof :p

Answer 2

It MIGHT be helpful if the infection is in the outer part of the ear.  However, if it is in the middle ear, it is useless because it doesn't get past the eardrum.  This is where MOST "ear infections" are located.  Same thing for the useless garlic idea - it doesn't reach the area of infection and has even less effect on an infectious agent.

Answer 3

The best thing to cure an ear infection is olive oil and garlic oil. Hydrogen peroxide is good for cleaning out excess wax.

Answer 4

Yes it does.

It takes longer than taking antibiotics (about 10 days if the infection isn't too bad) but I feel it's better than taking medicine.

If it's a very strong infection (for instance you feel a lot of pain) then hydrogen peroxide probably won't help.

Answer 5

As Opus said, most ear infections (other than "swimmers ear") are actually infections of the middle or inner ear. Hydrogen peroxide CANNOT reach that area, so it cannot do any good. I suspect that for most cases that it works, the body has actually healed itself and the application of hydrogen peroxide was a coincidence. Studies have found that something like 90% of ear infections in children clear up on their own without antibiotics or other intervention.

Answer 6

No, I find the best way to get rid of ear infections is to use chiropractic.  Stay away from antibiotics because they actually suppress the good bacteria used to fight all infections.

Answer 7

No, although it is good for excessive wax build-up.

The best thing for an ear infection is a product made by Herbs For Kids called "Willow and Garlic Ear Oil"  available at Whole Foods.