The substance that makes up earwax is called cerumen. Earwax sometimes builds up in the ears of infants faster than the body can remove it, potentially causing problems or discomfort for the baby. Excess earwax production that results in a blockage may occur in one or both ears and may be a recurrent problem or only temporary.
Causes
Earwax buildup is the result of the natural cleaning processes of the ear. Glands called ceruminous glands create cerumen to trap dirt, debris and microorganisms that enter the ear canal. This earwax hardens and is expelled out of the ear, removing the trapped debris along with it. In babies, cerumen production sometimes goes faster than the ear can remove it, creating a buildup of earwax.
Symptoms
Babies who have a buildup of earwax often don't exhibit symptoms of pain or discomfort. Parents may notice a soft or sticky yellow substance in the ear canal. The baby may tug at her ears or try putting a finger into the ear.
Complications
According to the online medical information site Ask Dr. Sears, most instances of earwax are harmless to the baby. However, complications may arise if the buildup of earwax is so excessive that it blocks the entire ear canal and decreases the ability of the infant to hear. Speech development may suffer in a baby with a complete blockage of earwax. Another circumstance that may cause concern is if the baby has an ear infection but earwax blockage makes it difficult for the doctor to see inside the ear.
Removal
Earwax in a baby can be removed at home by using a hydrogen peroxide solution or mineral oil and then flushing the ear with water a few days later. If this doesn't solve the problem, a doctor can perform an in-office removal of earwax using a thin plastic device called a curette. Parents should never attempt to remove earwax using a cotton swab or other object inserted into the ear, since this may rupture the eardrum or push the wax in deeper.
Prevention
Baby Center recommends keeping the infant well-hydrated, since dehydration can lead to thicker earwax production. Parents of a child with frequent earwax buildup problems may ask a doctor about performing ear flushes with water or oil on a regular basis to remove earwax before it gets too thick.
Considerations
Babies with a punctured eardrum should not have earwax removal done at home and should be taken to a doctor instead. If the infant has bloody, greenish or pus-filed drainage coming from the ear, this indicates an infection, not an earwax problem. Parents who are concerned about earwax buildup in their baby should discuss their concerns with his pediatrician at the infant's next checkup.
