Did you know there are right and “wrong” ways to clean your child’s ears? According to Rachelle Wareham, MD, pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT), it’s common to see kids with ear problems caused by unsafe cleaning methods. She discusses the safest way to care for your child’s ears, when to clean them, and when to see a doctor.
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It’s common to see earwax in kids’ ears. But earwax, also called cerumen, is mostly a good thing! Here’s why:
It helps keep the ears clean by trapping stuff that floats around in the air and;
It prevents the ear canal from becoming too dry and itchy.
Most of the time, earwax naturally makes its way out of the ear on its own and doesn’t need to be removed.
Are cotton swabs safe to use on kids' ears?
No—they can be dangerous. Resist the urge to use a cotton swab (like a Q-tip) to clean the ears. Sticking any object inside the ear canal, even fingers, can push wax deeper into the ear and cause a blockage called impacted cerumen. This can:
Affect your child’s hearing and;
Injure the inside of the ear and cause pain, infection, or a damaged eardrum.
"Earwax is usually our friend and doesn’t need to be removed. Cotton swabs are not our friend, but washcloths are."
Focus on cleaning the outer ear, not the inner ear
Instead of trying to remove wax from inside the ear canal, focus on keeping the outer ear clean. Here’s how:
Use a soft, damp washcloth. Gently wipe around the outside of the ear during bath time.
Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. If you see wax near the opening, you can gently wipe it away, but do not dig into the ear.
Let water drain naturally. If water gets inside your child’s ears during a bath or swim, encourage them to tilt their head to let it out.|
How much earwax is too much?
Sometimes, when earwax builds up, it can cause problems. Your child may have too much wax if they have:
Trouble hearing
Complaints of ear pain or fullness
Ringing in the ears
Dizziness
Your pediatric otolaryngologist (ENT) can safely remove the wax using special tools or ear drops. Never try to remove deep earwax at home.
Are earwax removal drops safe?
Most pharmacies sell earwax removal drops which soften the wax so it comes out naturally. But before you buy them, ask your doctor first, especially if your child has had multiple ear infections, ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum as diagnosed by their ENT. Some solutions may not be safe for children with these conditions.
Keeping your child’s ears healthy isn’t just about cleaning. Here are some additional tips:
Be careful of loud noises. Protect their hearing by keeping the volume no higher than 70 to 80 percent on headphones and avoiding very loud environments when possible.
Dry ears after swimming. Gently pat the ears dry with a towel after swimming to prevent swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear, and not just for swimmers.
Watch for signs of infection. If your child complains of ear pain, has trouble hearing, or has a fever, they may have an ear infection. See a doctor if symptoms don’t improve.
When to see a pediatric ENT for your child’s ear problems:
Call the doctor if:
Your child has ear pain that doesn’t go away
There is discharge (not wax) coming out of the ear
Your child’s hearing seems off
Your baby or toddler tugs at their ears and seems uncomfortable
Remember—earwax is usually our friend and doesn’t need to be removed. Cotton swabs are not our friend, but washcloths are. If you’re ever unsure about your child’s ear health, don’t hesitate to request an appointment with Connecticut Children’s ear, nose and throat team.
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