Should Parents Clean Their Child's Ears?

Many parents wonder if they are allowed to clean their child's ear, considering that first-time parents fear hurting their child, so as much as possible would always prioritize the child's safety. On the other hand, earwax serves a purpose. Hence, sometimes, it can build up and interfere with ear health and can eventually cause other serious concerns.

If earwax poses a serious concern, it should be immediately removed. However, there can be accurate and wrong ways to go about it.

The ear canal produces a substance commonly known as cerumen or earwax because of its consistency, similar to household wax. It provides a waterproof barrier to mainly protect the eardrum from dirt, water, dust, and other forms of debris. It is also comprised of enzymes that also protect ears by helping to avert the growth of bacteria and other fungi.

Ears typically produce the optimal amount of wax one needs. However, some individuals, including kids, make an overabundance. Fortunately, the ears provide support by helping regulate excess by slowly moving from the inside to the outside of the ear canal.

There's no need to clean your child's ears

Ann Masciantonio, M.D., chief of ambulatory pediatrics and ChristianaCare Pediatric Associates in Newark, Del., explains that ear wax doesn't have to be removed, especially if it does not bother the child.

Hence, if there is already a buildup of earwax, it can gradually become impacted and meddle with hearing or cause other aggravating symptoms. If it becomes excessive, it can block the ear canal, making one experience difficulty hearing, pain, cough, ringing, odor, discharge, and fullness.

Rarely, excessive ear wax can cause balance and dizziness difficulties.

Noting that such symptoms are only short-lived, they can be relieved by removing the excess earwax. Moreover, in the case of a blockage or impaction, immediately contact your child's pediatrician for safe removal.

David Mener, M.D., board-certified otolaryngology in New Rochelle, New York, and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, told Very Well Family that cotton swabs for cleaning the ears are condemned in the medical community.

Using a cotton swab only pushes ear wax further into the ear canal.

Cleaning your child's ears

Dr. Mener suggests using a damp washcloth as it helps to gently clean the outside of the ears and soften the wax. Experts consider cleaning your child's ear with a wet cloth safe.

Hydrogen peroxide or debrox can also help soften earwax buildup and are also considered helpful if your child has had impacted earwax in the past. Dr. Mener recommends using hydrogen peroxide or debrox with an eyedropper, just a few drops, as it will surely soften the earwax, making it easier to clean.

To naturally remove the expelling earwax, try teaching your child to tilt their head from one side to the other side to the other to avoid getting any remaining water and loose wax out of the child's ears.

Nevertheless, if the child is experiencing any indications of earwax impaction, a pediatrician can use special instruments to remove the blockage. Experts may also try flushing the child's ear with warm water, use certain wax-softening drops, or prescribe particular drops at home.