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Is it normal for white vinegar to sizzle like peroxide when you use it as ear drops? (kbin.social)

submitted 10 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 23 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (7 children)

Yes! Earwax is slightly acidic (~6.1 pH) while acetic acid is more acidic (5% vinegar is ~2.5 pH) so the earwax acts as a base in this reaction.

ETA: there may be other things it is reacting with as well, like leftover soap, but this is how acid base reactions work. A chemical does not need to be above pH of 7 to act as a base. The more acidic compound will give its extra hydrogen to the less acidic compound.

[–] [email protected] 23 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (4 children)

Something being less acidic does not mean that it acts like a base
Bubbling occurs as a result of the production of a gas not as a result of an acid/base reaction in of itself. Baking soda and vinegar react to form CO2 (a gas) water and Sodium Acetate. The CO2 that is produced in that reaction is what causes bubbles NOT the acid/base reaction. eg. if you reacted Sodium Hydroxide and vinegar you will not observe bubbling because there is no gas being produced.
Ear wax should not contain anything that should bubble as a result of the introduction of an acid.

Either what OP is observing isnt actually bubbling or there is something in their ear that shouldnt be.