Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the outer part of the ear canal. This sticky material is composed of dead skin cells and oily secretions. Cerumen serves several important functions: it acts as a protective barrier, provides lubrication, traps dust, debris, and foreign particles, and contains antibacterial properties that help prevent infection. The ear is self-cleaning; the natural movement of the ear canal skin, aided by jaw motion from sucking or chewing, slowly carries the wax outward where it naturally dries and falls out.
Why Internal Cleaning is Unnecessary and Dangerous
Inserting anything into a baby’s ear canal is strongly discouraged because it interferes with the ear’s natural self-cleaning process and poses significant risks. The most common mistake is using cotton-tipped swabs, which push cerumen deeper into the narrow ear canal. This action can cause wax impaction, creating a hard blockage that the ear cannot expel on its own.
Placing any object past the outer ear can cause direct trauma to the delicate internal structures. Injuries range from cuts and bleeding of the ear canal skin to severe damage like a perforated eardrum or injury to the middle ear bones. Cotton-swab-related incidents lead to numerous emergency room visits for children each day, with the highest rate of injury occurring in children under three years old. Injury to the eardrum or inner ear can lead to long-term issues like hearing loss or balance problems.
Routine Safe Cleaning Steps
The safest and most effective approach to ear hygiene involves cleaning only the visible, outer part of the ear, known as the pinna. For this process, use a soft, clean washcloth or a cotton ball dampened with warm water.
After wetting the cloth, wring it out thoroughly so no excess water can drip into the ear canal opening. Gently wipe the contours of the outer ear, including the folds and crevices. Be sure to clean the skin behind the ear, where milk or other residue can accumulate. The washcloth should never be inserted into the ear canal itself.
After bathing, softly dry the outer ear area with a clean, soft towel to prevent moisture from lingering, which can lead to irritation or infection.
Recognizing and Managing Excess Earwax
While most earwax falls out naturally, some babies produce a greater amount, or their ear canals may be narrower, leading to a visible build-up called cerumen impaction. Signs that the wax accumulation may be problematic include the baby showing discomfort, such as tugging at the ear, or if the blockage appears to be affecting hearing. Other symptoms include an earache, a feeling of fullness, or a visible, large, dark plug of wax.
For a noticeable impaction without other symptoms, a pediatrician may recommend attempting to soften the wax at home. This involves placing a few drops of mineral oil, olive oil, or a saline solution into the ear canal, which helps the wax break down and move out.
This method should always be discussed with a doctor first, as eardrops should not be used if a perforated eardrum or ear infection is suspected. Professional medical attention is necessary if the baby exhibits signs of pain, fever, discharge, foul odor, or if the earwax does not clear after a few days of doctor-approved softening attempts.