Earwax is a natural substance that protects your child’s ears from dust and bacteria. However, too much earwax can cause discomfort, hearing issues, and other complications for your child. Hence, it’s important to keep an eye on their ear health and use safe methods for cleaning to prevent any problems.
Several methods are available to remove wax from ears but choosing the best and safest method for earwax removal for children is important. In this blog, we’ll talk about the signs of earwax problems in children and discuss how to remove earwax safely to maintain your children’s ear health.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Earwax Problems in Kids?
Children may not always be able to communicate their discomfort, so parents should be vigilant about the signs and symptoms of earwax build-up. Here are some common signs of earwax problems in kids-
- Earache- Persistent pain or discomfort in the ear can be a sign of wax blockage.
- Itching- If your child is scratching or rubbing their ear frequently, it might be due to earwax irritation.
- Hearing difficulties- Muffled hearing or the sensation that the ear is blocked can indicate a significant wax build-up.
- Odour- A noticeable smell coming from the ear can suggest an earwax problem.
- Discharge- Any discharge from the ear, particularly if it’s yellow or brown, may be a sign of earwax issues.
- Dizziness- Earwax blockage can sometimes cause balance problems or dizziness.
- Crying or fussiness- For younger children or infants, unexplained crying or irritability might be linked to ear discomfort.
What Can Parents Do for Safe Earwax Removal for Babies?
First and foremost, it is important not to insert anything into the ear canal, such as cotton swabs or fingers. This can cause damage to the delicate ear structures or further impact the wax.
Instead, gently wipe the outer part of the ear with a soft washcloth. This simple act can often be enough to manage minor earwax issues. If you notice that your baby doesn’t feel good even after that, seek professional help as soon as possible.
What are the Safe Methods of Earwax Removal for Children?
When it comes to removing earwax safely in children, age-specific methods should be considered. Here are some recommended methods-
Age-Specific Ear Cleaning Methods
- Infants (0-12 months)
External cleaning only- Use a damp, soft cloth to clean around the outer ear. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
Professional advice- Seek medical help if you suspect significant earwax build-up.
- Toddlers (1-3 years)
Warm water rinse- During bath time, let warm (not hot) water gently run into the ear while tilting the child’s head. Ensure water does not stay in the ear.
Hydrogen peroxide drops- With professional guidance, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide solution can be used to soften the wax, but this should be done with caution.
- Children (4 years and older)
Ear drops- Over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax can be used, following the instructions carefully.
Ear irrigation- If needed, a healthcare provider can perform ear irrigation using a bulb syringe and warm water to flush out the wax safely.
Ear Microsuction- This is the safest and most effective method, especially for stubborn wax. It involves using a gentle suction device to remove earwax and should be performed by a trained professional.
Ensure Healthy Ears for Your Child with Village Pharmacy
Always remember to avoid inserting objects into your child’s ear canal and opt for gentle cleaning methods suitable for their age.
Moreover, if you are looking for professional earwax removal, book an appointment with us for ear microsuction.
