Excessive Ear Wax in Children
Ear wax occurs naturally in the human body. Under typical circumstances, it has an important function and should not be unnecessarily removed with a cotton swab, bobby pin, or other device. However, the smaller ear canals found in children can cause an accumulation of the waxy substance. When impaction of the wax occurs within the ear canal, hearing may be jeopardized or infection may be imminent. In these cases, consult your child's pediatrician about proper removal methods.
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Production and Composition
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Ear wax is first produced by skin glands located in the outer ear. The sticky substance, which varies in color from yellow to dark brown, is made of keratin, cholesterol and oils. Ear wax can be hard or soft in composition.
Function
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Everybody has ear wax. It is a natural part of the human body. Under normal circumstances, its purpose is important. Ear wax prohibits dust from entering the canal as it traps debris at the opening. It also keeps water from making its way down the ear canal and causing infection or inflammation.
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Problems
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Children may suffer from excessive ear-wax impaction within the ear canal. Impaction can cause pain and possible hearing loss as layers of wax mold together to become a solid mass. Once the mass becomes lodged within the ear canal, remedy is not always easy. Children might experience great discomfort, a feeling of fullness in the ear, the acknowledgment of a ringing or buzzing noise, and difficulty hearing.
Causes
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Some children may naturally produce more ear wax than others, and amounts aren't static. Initially, a child might not have problems with excessive ear wax, but then the situation changes and greater amounts might be produced. If impaction occurs once, a doctor might suggest periodic maintenance with an irrigation kit to keep build-up from happening again. Also, because children have narrow ear drums, excessive amounts might accumulate and cause impaction.
Removal
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There is no need to remove ear wax, when found in standard amounts. Ears are self-cleaning and will naturally remove wax on their own. If impaction occurs, parents should speak with their child's pediatrician before attempting removal. Do not use ear drops, peroxide or oil without a doctor's direction. With consent from the physician, irrigation of the ear may be recommended. Irrigation refers to the flowing of water into the ear via a syringe.
With the assistance of water, the wax should eventually become dislodged. Distilled water should be used with the irrigation procedure, as well as the possible addition of several drops of vinegar. Lukewarm water is advised because cold water could cause dizziness, nausea or vertigo, and hot water can cause burning. When irrigation does not provide adequate results, a physician may physically remove the wax through gentle suctioning.
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