Remedy for Wax in a Child's Ears
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural and desirable part of your body's defense system. Earwax provides a waterproof lining that acts as a barrier to keep dirt and germs out of the ear canal. Regular bathing is usually enough to keep earwax at normal levels. In cases when excess earwax accumulates, home remedies can often safely clear it away.
Other People Are Reading
-
Softening Agents
-
Using a warm washcloth to gently wipe the outer area of the ear can help wash away excess earwax. Earwax can be softened with commercial drops, mineral oil or baby oil, according to MedlinePlus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health. Drops of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide also can help remove earwax.
Apply a few drops with an eyedropper twice a day for up to four or five days. Softening agents run the risk of loosening only the outermost layer of earwax and potentially cause it to push against the eardrum or in the ear canal.
Irrigation
-
Irrigation can effectively remove ear wax. With your child's head upright, hold the outer ear and slowly pull upwards to straighten the ear canal. Fill a syringe with body-temperature water and carefully deliver a small stream of water against the ear canal wall. Tip your child's head so the water can drain. Several treatments may be needed to remove earwax buildup. Dry the ear with a hair dryer set to low or use an eyedropper to insert a few drops of alcohol in the ear. Earwax removal kits can also help remove wax buildup.
-
Precautions
-
Don't use your finger or household items such as a paper clip, cotton swab or hairpin to try to dig out earwax because you may push the wax farther into the ear and cause serious damage to the ear canal lining or eardrum. Don't use dental irrigation devices like a WaterPik to irrigate your child's ear. The intensity of such devices may harm the eardrum, cautions the Mayo Clinic.
Outlook
-
Hearing loss associated with excess earwax is usually temporary, and normal hearing returns once earwax is removed. Contact your doctor if you have problems removing earwax from your child. Seek medical attention if your child has fluid draining from the ear, ear aches, fever or ongoing hearing problems.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
