How to Get Rid of Earwax in Children
Earwax is a natural substance that does not need to be removed from the ear on a regular basis. However, if your doctor has suggested that you remove your child's earwax, there is a technique you can use to make the process easier.
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Things You'll Need
- Mineral oil (or hydrogen peroxide and water)
- Thermometer
- Dropper
- Hair dryer
- Wax softener (non-prescription, optional)
- Ear syringe (optional)
Instructions
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1
Heat 2 tsp. warm mineral oil to body temperature over a low flame. Alternatively, mix 1 tsp. hydrogen peroxide and 1 tsp. water.
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Place two drops of the mineral oil into your child's ear. This will soften the earwax and make it easier to remove.
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3
Have your child take a warm shower and direct the warm water into her ear. Then encourage her to tip her head so the earwax can drain from the ear.
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Hold a hairdryer several inches from your child's ear. Turn the hairdryer on low to dry out the ear canal.
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Repeat this process twice a day for five days.
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If the process does not remove sufficient earwax, apply the non-prescription wax softener to your child's ear, as per the package instructions. Then flush the ear with room temperature water using an ear syringe.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not remove earwax from your child's ear if your child has ear pain, unfamiliar discharge or tubes in his ears. Also avoid this process if your child has a ruptured eardrum or has had ear surgery.
Make sure all liquids inserted into the ear are at least room temperature, but not hot. Cold or hot fluids inserted into the ear can make your child dizzy or cause pain.
Do not stick any thin objects, such as cotton swabs or bobby pins, into your child's ear.
Do not use ear candles to remove the wax; this can cause serious injury.
