Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring waxy substance produced within the ear canal. It maintains ear health by lubricating the skin and preventing dryness. Earwax also acts as a protective barrier, trapping dust and foreign particles before they reach the eardrum. Furthermore, it has antimicrobial properties, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Recognizing Excess Earwax
While earwax is a normal and healthy part of ear function, an accumulation of it can sometimes cause issues for toddlers. One common sign of excessive earwax is a toddler frequently pulling at their ear, which can indicate discomfort or irritation. Parents might also notice a visible blockage if they gently look into the ear canal.
Impacted earwax can lead to changes in a toddler’s hearing. This might manifest as a child not responding to soft sounds, needing the television volume turned up, or frequently asking for repetitions. Other symptoms include ear pain, a sensation of fullness or pressure, or dizziness. These symptoms occur when wax buildup blocks the ear canal, interfering with sound conduction.
Safe Approaches for Home Removal
For toddlers experiencing mild earwax buildup without severe symptoms, gentle home methods can sometimes help soften the wax, allowing it to naturally exit the ear. One approach involves using a few drops of a softening agent. Parents can apply 2-3 drops of body-temperature mineral oil, baby oil, or even diluted hydrogen peroxide (3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal part of warm water) into the affected ear. This should be done while the toddler lies on their side with the affected ear facing upwards, allowing the liquid to penetrate the wax for 5-10 minutes.
After softening the wax, a gentle flush can be performed using a soft rubber bulb syringe. Fill the syringe with body-temperature water, ensuring it is not too hot or cold to prevent dizziness. Gently squirt the water into the ear canal, aiming towards the side rather than directly at the eardrum. Then, tilt the toddler’s head to allow the water and softened wax to drain into a basin or towel. This process might need to be repeated over a few days to dislodge the wax.
Methods to Avoid
Certain methods of earwax removal are unsafe and should never be used on a toddler. Inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal is highly discouraged. These swabs tend to push earwax deeper, compacting it against the eardrum and potentially worsening the blockage. This action can also scratch the delicate skin or puncture the eardrum, leading to pain, infection, or hearing damage.
Similarly, ear candling is ineffective and dangerous. No scientific evidence supports its effectiveness, and it carries significant risks like burns or eardrum perforation. Using sharp objects, such as hairpins or toothpicks, to remove earwax is extremely hazardous and can cause severe injury. Avoid unapproved earwax removal kits, which may contain harmful chemicals.
When to Seek Professional Help
There are specific situations when home remedies for earwax removal should be avoided, and professional medical attention is necessary. If a toddler experiences severe ear pain, has any discharge coming from the ear, develops a fever, or if home attempts at wax removal are unsuccessful after a few days, it is important to consult a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. These symptoms could indicate an underlying ear infection or other complications that require medical diagnosis and treatment.
Professional evaluation is crucial if a toddler has ear tubes, a history of a perforated eardrum, or any other known ear condition. In these cases, home remedies could cause further damage or introduce infection. Medical professionals possess specialized tools and expertise to safely remove impacted earwax, minimizing risks to the child’s ear health.