Your child's ears are self-cleaning most of the time, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. If you see ear wax on the outside of his ear, wipe it away. Occasionally, ear wax may build up in the ear canal, causing earache, a blocked or plugged feeling, hearing loss and ringing in the ear. Try a home remedy to remove wax, and if it does not work, take him to the pediatrician. If your child's ear pain is severe, or is accompanied by a fever or ear discharge, do not attempt home treatment.
Step 1
Ask your child to hold her head to the side so the affected ear is pointing up. Drip a few drops of mineral or baby oil into the ear canal. Have her remain in the same position for several minutes to allow the oil to soften the ear wax, and then allow the oil to run out of her ear. Repeat twice per day for up to five days.
Step 2
Irrigate the ear daily, beginning on the second day of the oil treatment, recommends MayoClinic.com. Fill a rubber bulb with body-temperature water and position the tip in the outer ear canal. Gently squeeze the bulb, allowing the water to run into the ear and back out again.
Step 3
Ask your child to tilt her head with the affected ear pointed down to allow the water to drain out completely. Use a towel to dry his outer ear, and use a blow dryer on the low setting to dry the ear canal.
Tips and Warnings
- Hydrogen peroxide or a commercial ear wax removal solution can also be effective in removing wax buildup.
- If you have any reason to believe that your child's ear drum is perforated, do not put anything into her ear, including mineral oil or water. Take her to her doctor promptly. Using water to irrigate that is warmer or colder than body temperature may cause severe dizziness, warns the New York Times Health Guide.
Things You'll Need
- Mineral or baby oil
- Eyedropper
- Rubber bulb syringe
- Towels
- Blow dryer
