One of the questions new parents ask is how to clean children's earwax. Since they could not see what is inside, they are afraid of what sensitive part they could touch when cleaning them. Some believe that they should clean the little one's ears every day.
But what are the dos and don'ts when it comes to cleaning ears? Read on to find out the right and wrong way of keeping your children's ears clean and healthy.
Earwax acts as a protectant
Usually, there is no need to remove earwax because they act as a waterproof lining of your and your child's ear canal. It also keeps ears from getting injured by trapping dust, dirt, and other particles that might enter the ears.
The best way to clean children's earwax is by using a washcloth to wipe the outside of the ears. Do take note that some people have more earwax than others. The cerumen, or ear wax, comes out by itself so in normal cases, regular bathing could keep the ears healthy.
Never try to remove the earwax using these objects
Removing earwax using fingers, cotton swabs, or other objects could worsen the case. These items could either block the ear canal or damage the eardrum.
Follow what the doctor recommends you do
If your child's doctor advised you to clean your children's ear wax, you could soften them first before trying to remove them. Warm mineral oil could usually do the trick. If mineral oil is not available, you could equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and room temperature water.
Apply two drops of the mixture into the ear twice a day for up to five days. It could help loosen the earwax for easy removal. Direct gentle and warm shower into the ear, then let the earwax out by tipping your kid's head.
Make sure to dry your child's ear thoroughly afterward. Using a hairdryer set on low, hold it about eight to ten centimeters away from the ear to dry it.
If you are unsuccessful at cleaning your children's earwax, you could purchase an over-the-counter wax softener. Read and follow the label instructions before proceeding with the ear cleaning.
After using the store-bought wax softener, you should take note to flush your child's ears with water. Using an ear syringe, gently flush the ears with body temperature water. Any cooler or hotter than that could cause dizziness.
When should you call for help?
Seek immediate medical care if your child exhibits any of the following conditions.
- If your child feels that his ears are full or there are ringing sensations, see the doctor.
- If you see blood drains or pus coming out of your child's ears.
- Call the doctor immediately if your kid has a loss of hearing.
- If after you did the home treatments and you found that your child has feelings of pain, call the doctor for advice.
- Likewise, if your child has reduced hearing capacities, seek help.
- If your child has better hearing, but new symptoms occur, call for help. Take note if your child has balance problems or has nausea.
