Children and Ear Wax

Although many parents tend to regard the presence of "earwax" in children as an embarrassing indicator of poor hygiene, this oily substance actually performs an important function in protecting the health of the ear. Known medically as "cerumen," earwax is excreted by oil and sweat glands located along the outer ear canal. Usually orange-brown in color, cerumen moves slowly through the canal in response to gravity. Along the way, it works as a kind of sticky vacuum cleaner -- while sweeping up dirt, dust, dead skin and any other foreign bodies that could eventually injure the skin or trigger an infection.

Unfortunately, earwax has gained an unsavory reputation among many parents, probably because of its unsightly appearance and mildly unpleasant odor. As a result, many well-intentioned adults make the mistake of trying to remove every trace of earwax from their children's ears, without realizing that in most cases the substance will eventually fall out of the ear on its own, as intended by nature. Intent on removing the wax, some parents unwisely poke cotton swabs or even paper clips deep into the ear canal. But this strategy often makes matters worse -- by compacting the wax and its load of dust and dirt against the eardrum. In some cases, this compacted wax will then form a hardened plug that may impair a child's hearing. The hardened mass may also trigger local infections that can cause swelling, inflammation and pain in the outer ear canal.

What to Do

The best way to avoid earwax blockages is to resist the impulse to use a swab or other probing device in the ear. If you do decide that earwax-buildup in your child's outer ear is unacceptable, however, the safest and most effective method for removing it is to wrap a wet washcloth around an index finger. Then use a gentle, circular motion to remove wax, but only from the outermost area of the ear canal. Although most cases involving earwax blockage can be managed safely at home (usually by softening the hardened wax with warm water or mineral or baby oil), severe blockage may not respond to treatment. Also keep in mind that young children may put small objects in their ears, causing symptoms similar to those for earwax. Because these severe cases could result in significant but temporary  hearing loss or the spread of infections, parents should consult their health care provider if they observe any of the following conditions related to earwax blockage in their children:

• Partial (and often progressive) hearing loss in an ear

• A sharp ache in the outer ear that does not begin to improve within 48 hours, and especially if the pain is accompanied by fever

• Audible noises occurring inside the ear

• Any liquid discharge from the ear (whether bloody, white or yellow)

• Persistent itching in outer ear canal

Self-care Steps for Earwax

• Use over-the-counter eardrops, earwax removers or mineral water (or baby oil) to soften wax, if approved by your health care provider.

• Use an index finger wrapped in a warm washcloth to remove wax from outermost area of the child's ear.

• Never push objects -- such as cotton swabs or paper clips -- into the ear canal in an effort to dislodge wax.

• If you suspect the presence of an insect trapped inside a child's ear, place a few drops of mineral oil into the ear to immobilize the insect.

• Direct a shower of warm water (not hot) at the outer ear in order to soften and loosen wax, then wipe it out with a clean towel.