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Carbon Scorn (Boston, Ma) on 09/21/2011
5 out of 5 stars

In my early Twenties my scuba instructor, ex-US Navy, told me how to rid myself of my very regular and annoying ear infections. Mix 50/50 white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a dropper. Tip yoru head to the side and put 3 drops in each when ever you complete a dive (or whenever you feel your ears starting to itch or hurt). Wiggle the outer ear and the base of the ear to be sure it settles deep, add a few more drops if you need to, wait one minute then tip your head and let it drain out into a tissue. Then do the other ear. Well, I've done this so many times I can not count. It works every time, and I've also done this with my kids whenever I saw them starting to scratch their ears when they were toddlers. They have never once needed to be seen by a doctor for an ear infection.

My description of the science at work here? Ear wax is acidic by nature, that's how it protects the area from bacteria. And ear "wax" is hydrophobic (it doesn't like water), so its coating keeps the ear canal free of bacterial breeding dampness. The white vinegar is simply helping to restore a high level of acidity while the alcohol dries up any water.

P.S. prior to learning this trick I used to use Hydrogen Peroxide with mixed results. After learning more with age I realized that the Hydrogen Peroxide, after oxidation, leaves behind water, aka a damp environment for any residual bacteria to flourish. Using this 50/50 of vinegar & alcohol mix post a hydrogen peroxide flush yielded desirable results every single time. Soon I totally left out the hydrogen peroxide step. Oh, and never cover your ear after flushing as that again inhibits the dry environment required to put an end to the bacteria.

REPLY   7      

Replied By Mandy (Arkansas) on 10/27/2016

I have had a very bad sinus infection for a month now. I have had 3 rounds of antibiotics and it doesn't really help. I developed ear pain and ear pressure. Hurt so bad I would have tried anything. so I found this post tried and wow!!! Ear pain is almost gone and soon as I dropped the mixture in I heard a loud pop inside my ear. Thank You!
REPLY   4      

Replied By Michael (Australia) on 01/14/2017

Each time I have used the 50% alcohol 50% vinegar my ears have hurt for days afterwards like a burning feeling. I am using 95% alcohol from chemist and white vinegar. Why is this happening?
REPLY         

Replied By Tee (North Carolina) on 05/30/2017

Try a lower content of isopropyl alcohol like 70% or try to increase the amount of vinegar. The 95% alcohol is typically something we cannot get easily in the USA and that may a bit too strong for your ears.
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