You might think green, gunky earwax in your child's ears looks unpleasant, but it's an important body product that protects her ears, according to BabyCenter. Most kids produce as much earwax as they need, but some kids are prone to producing too much, which puts them at risk for developing an earwax blockage.
Function
Earwax, also called cerumen, is a substance formed when cells that line the ear canal combine with secretions from glands in the ear, according to pediatric health website AskDrSears.com. Earwax acts as a barrier against water and other foreign contaminants and it contains elements that protect your child from infections. Typically, as earwax builds up, it moves toward the outer ear, picks up debris and washes away on its own.
Cleaning Tips
If you see earwax on the outer portion of your child's ear, use a cotton swab or a wash cloth to remove it. However, don't ever stick a cotton swab, hair pin or other small object inside your child's ear canal to clean out the wax, warns AskDrSears.com. Putting a small object in your child's ear can rupture the eardrum, push the wax in even farther or encourage him to stick objects in his ear.
Signs of Blockage
Your child's hearing will likely become muffled if earwax is plugging his canal, says BabyCenter. She might also have a feeling of fullness, have an earache or rub or tug on her ears. However, your child may also exhibit these signs and symptoms if she has an ear infection. The major difference between the two is that an ear infection is typically accompanied by fever and sleep problems, says BabyCenter. You might also see clear, milky or bloody-looking drainage coming from your child's ear if she has an ear infection.
What to Do
Take your child to see his doctor if he seems to be having any hearing trouble or ear discomfort. The doctor will examine your child's ear and rule out any other illnesses. If she thinks earwax has become a problem for your child, she will either use a warm liquid to flush out your child's ear or use a small instrument to scrape out the earwax, according to BabyCenter. She might also prescribe a medication and recommend a home flushing technique to reduce future occurrences.
Home Flushing
Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter earwax removal treatment or a home preparation such as water mixed half-and-half with hydrogen peroxide, says AskDrSears.com. Carefully follow the instructions on the over-the-counter solution to get the best results. For the at-home solution, ask your child to lie on her side so that her plugged ear is up, place the drops into her ear until they fill the canal, then let the drops sit in her ear for five minutes before letting them flow back out, says AskDrSears.com. Repeat this method once daily for 3 to 5 days, then use a rubber bulb syringe and lukewarm water to flush the wax out of her ear on the last day.
