Effective Ways to Safely Remove Earwax in Young Children

How to remove earwax in children?

Hello Doctor,
My child is 5 years old this year.
When he was 2, I helped him clean his earwax and found that one of his ears had a hard lump of earwax.
He would say it hurt when I touched it, so I stopped trying to clean it.
When he was about 3, I took him to see a pediatrician, who said it couldn't be cleaned with tools and that it would get better as he grew older.
However, it is still a hard lump and completely blocks the ear canal, showing no improvement with age.
A friend mentioned that injecting some oil into the ear could help soften it.
I'm wondering if this is advisable?
Doctor, can we really leave it alone without affecting his hearing, or should we seek a second opinion? Thank you for taking the time to respond to my question!

vicky, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/03/08

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics

Dear Vicky,
The outer part of the human ear canal, specifically the cartilaginous section, contains skin that has hair follicles and glands.
These glands secrete a waxy, oily substance, which, combined with shed epithelial cells, forms what is commonly known as earwax or cerumen.
Earwax serves a protective function for the ear canal, preventing the invasion of dust particles, microorganisms, and other foreign bodies.
The ear canal itself has a natural mechanism for clearing earwax, and earwax is typically expelled on its own, providing additional protection to the ear canal.
Therefore, it is generally unnecessary to dig into the ears.
If cleaning is desired, simply use a towel and your fingers to gently wipe the outer ear and the opening of the ear canal.
There is no need to use instruments or cotton swabs to clean deep within the ear canal.
Doing so can push earwax further in and may even injure the skin of the ear canal or damage the eardrum.
If earwax becomes too compacted and causes hearing loss, you can try using ear drops (available at hospitals or pharmacies) to soften the earwax by applying them in the ear canal two to four times a day.
Afterward, you may use a cotton swab to clean it out.
If symptoms do not improve, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for further management.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Sincerely,
Dr.
Ren-Sheng Pei
Director, Pediatrics Department
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2009/03/08

More Info

When it comes to safely removing earwax in young children, especially in cases where the earwax has hardened and is causing discomfort, it is essential to approach the situation with care. Earwax, or cerumen, serves a protective function in the ear canal by trapping dust and debris, preventing infections, and keeping the skin of the ear canal moisturized. However, excessive buildup can lead to blockages that may affect hearing and cause discomfort.

For your five-year-old child, it is important to avoid using cotton swabs or other instruments to dig into the ear canal. This can push the wax further in, potentially causing injury to the ear canal or even the eardrum. Instead, here are some effective and safe methods to consider for managing earwax buildup:
1. Soften the Earwax: One common method is to use ear drops specifically designed to soften earwax. These can be found at pharmacies and usually contain ingredients like carbamide peroxide or mineral oil. You can apply a few drops into the ear canal, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to soften the wax. This can make it easier for the wax to exit the ear naturally.

2. Warm Water Irrigation: After softening the wax, you can gently flush the ear with warm water using a bulb syringe. Ensure the water is not too hot, and tilt the head to allow gravity to help remove the softened wax. This method should be done with caution, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before attempting it.

3. Use of Olive Oil or Mineral Oil: While some people recommend using olive oil or mineral oil to soften earwax, it is crucial to do this with caution. A few drops can be placed in the ear, but if your child experiences pain or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

4. Professional Cleaning: If the earwax remains hard and is causing significant discomfort or hearing issues, it is best to seek the help of a healthcare professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can safely remove the earwax using specialized tools and techniques, ensuring that the ear canal is not damaged in the process.

5. Avoid Home Remedies without Consultation: While some may suggest using home remedies like injecting oils or other substances into the ear, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before trying these methods. Some substances can irritate the ear canal or cause infections.

6. Regular Check-ups: If your child has a history of earwax buildup or ear infections, regular check-ups with a pediatrician or ENT specialist can help monitor the situation and provide timely interventions if necessary.

In summary, while earwax serves a protective role, excessive buildup can lead to discomfort and potential hearing issues. It is advisable to avoid invasive methods of removal and instead focus on softening the wax and seeking professional help when needed. If your child is experiencing pain or if the wax does not improve with at-home treatments, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

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