Earwax, or cerumen, is a protective substance formed by glands in the ear canal. While people often view earwax as a nuisance that must be removed, its presence is necessary to provide lubrication and guard against infection. Most of the time, there is no need for wax to be removed, but some situations do call for safe wax removal measures.
Reasons for Removal
Parents often want to remove visible earwax because it is unsightly. Occasionally, an ear can become blocked with too much earwax, which can cause discomfort. A child with an earwax blockage may have an earache and muffled hearing, and he may feel like his ear is plugged. The child may hear ringing or other noises, and the ear may itch, emit discharge or have an odor. A blockage can also cause coughing. In some cases, a doctor may need to remove earwax so an ear exam can be performed.
Methods
For general cleaning, you should only use a washcloth to clean the outside of the ear canal. If a blockage is present, you can use a solution to soften the wax. Dr. William Sears, of AskDrSears.com, recommends a solution of equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin or commercial drops can also be used, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). The drops can be left in the ear while the child relaxes for about five minutes, and the process can be repeated for several days if needed. You can fill a bulb syringe with lukewarm water and squirt it into the ear after softening the wax; this process can be repeated as needed to flush out the blockage. If a blockage cannot be cleared with home treatment, a doctor can remove it manually.
Risks
You could cause or worsen a blockage if you attempt to remove earwax with cotton swabs or by placing other objects in the ear canal. Wax gets pushed deeper into the ear when objects are inserted into the canal. Inserted objects could also rupture the eardrum. When you remove normal earwax from the ear canal, you strip the ear of its barrier against infection.
Considerations
The symptoms of an earwax blockage can be similar to the symptoms of an ear infection. Contact your child's doctor if symptoms are severe or do not improve. It is best to have babies and toddlers with suspected blockages checked out by a doctor. Young children with long-term earwax blockages may suffer from decreased hearing that affects speech development.
Warning
You should never place any object into the ear canal. If a child has discharge from the ear or you have any reason to suspect the eardrum is not intact, do not place drops, water or anything else in the ear; this may lead to infection. The AAO-HNS warns against the use of ear candles, which are sometimes touted as a safe way to remove earwax. Ear candling can be dangerous, according to the AAO-HNS, and there is no evidence that it is effective.
