Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor After Ear Wax Removal?

Q: Should You Take Your Child to the Doctor After Ear Wax Removal?

Hello： The bleeding is likely related to a laceration in the external auditory canal. <br>If there is no significant ongoing bleeding or pain, it will mostly improve on its own; however, if there is persistent pain or discharge, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for conf

Children's Earwax Issues

Hello, I recently helped my 6-year-old child clean her earwax.
She usually doesn't have it cleaned, but a doctor previously mentioned that she had a lot of earwax in her ear canal, so I used a plastic ear picker to remove it.
The earwax I extracted was dark brown, and after 3 or 4 attempts, there was a little blood, and my daughter cried out in pain.
I realized I had injured her ear canal, so I immediately stopped and used a cotton swab dipped in saline solution to clean it.
After a while, my daughter said it no longer hurt, and there was no more bleeding.
Should I take her to see a doctor for further evaluation? Thank you.

Miss He, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/29

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: The bleeding is likely related to a laceration in the external auditory canal.
If there is no significant ongoing bleeding or pain, it will mostly improve on its own; however, if there is persistent pain or discharge, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for confirmation.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Jue-Yi Cheng, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/02/29

More Info

When it comes to ear wax removal, especially in children, it's essential to approach the situation with caution. In your case, it sounds like you attempted to remove ear wax from your 6-year-old child, which resulted in some discomfort and minor bleeding. Here are some considerations and recommendations based on your situation.

1. Assessing the Need for Medical Attention:
Given that your child experienced pain and some bleeding during the ear wax removal process, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Even though the bleeding stopped and your child is no longer in pain, there could be underlying issues that need to be addressed. The ear canal is delicate, and any trauma can lead to complications, such as infection or further irritation. A healthcare professional can examine the ear canal to ensure there are no injuries or remaining wax that could cause problems.

2. Understanding Ear Wax:
Ear wax, or cerumen, serves a protective function in the ear canal. It helps trap dust, debris, and microorganisms, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. In most cases, the ear is self-cleaning, and excessive ear wax removal can lead to irritation or even infection. It's generally recommended to avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, as this can push wax deeper or cause injury.

3. Signs of Complications:
If your child experiences any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention promptly:
- Persistent pain or discomfort in the ear
- Discharge from the ear that is unusual in color or odor
- Hearing loss or changes in hearing
- Fever or signs of infection (such as swelling or redness around the ear)
4. Future Ear Care:
For future ear care, it's best to avoid using cotton swabs or other objects for cleaning the ears. Instead, you can clean the outer ear with a damp cloth. If you notice excessive ear wax buildup, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider who can safely remove it using appropriate techniques, such as irrigation or suction.

5. Medical Evaluation:
If you decide to take your child to the doctor, they may perform an otoscopic examination to visualize the ear canal and eardrum. This examination can help determine if there is any damage or if further treatment is necessary. If there is an injury, the doctor may recommend specific treatments, such as topical antibiotics if there is a risk of infection.

6. Conclusion:
In summary, while your child may currently feel fine, the initial pain and bleeding during the ear wax removal process warrant a visit to the doctor. It’s always better to err on the side of caution, especially when it comes to the delicate structures of the ear. A healthcare professional can provide peace of mind and ensure that your child’s ears are healthy and free from complications. Remember, maintaining ear health is crucial, and professional guidance is the best way to achieve that.

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