Ears are naturally self-cleaning, and the wax, or cerumen, that they produce helps to keep the ear canal clean and dry. Most of the time, earwax is not a problem and should just be ignored. Sometimes, however, children experience a build-up of the sticky wax. This can cause a feeling of pressure in the ear, and the child may have trouble hearing clearly. If you believe that your child may have earwax build-up, it is best to take her to the doctor to have it checked. Your doctor may decide to remove the excess wax with a small instrument, called a curette. If you or your doctor prefer to try to avoid using the curette, which may be a moderately painful procedure, there are some steps you can take at home to remove wax from your child's ear.
Step 1
Use a washcloth or cotton swab to gently clean the outer ear. Wipe away any wax or other debris that you can see on the outside part of the ear.
Step 2
Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part lukewarm water. Ask your child to lay down on one side. Use a medicine dropper to drip several drops of the peroxide solution into his ear.
Step 3
Have your child rest for about five minutes, then have her sit up and hold a towel to the ear that is being cleaned. Ask her to tilt her head back and forth to clear the liquid from her ear canal. If both ears are affected, repeat the procedure on the other ear.
Step 4
Repeat steps 2 and 3 once per day for three days. On the third day, use a rubber bulb syringe filled with lukewarm water to flush out your child's ear. You may see some wax come out of the ear. If you do not, repeat the procedure for several more days, then irrigate with the bulb syringe again.
Step 5
Contact your child's doctor if no wax comes out, or if your child complains of pain or diminished hearing after the treatment is completed. In some cases, your doctor may need to refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Tips and Warnings
- Instead of the hydrogen peroxide solution, you can purchase an earwax softening system from a pharmacy or discount store. Follow the directions carefully. Before using the peroxide, soften the wax in your child's ears by placing several drops of mineral oil in the ear, letting it sit for several minutes and allowing it to drain out.
- Do not stick cotton swabs in your child's ear canal. This can push the wax in farther, leading to irritation of the ear canal or a ruptured eardrum.
Things You'll Need
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Towel
- Rubber bulb syringe
