Should earwax in children be removed or left alone?

Phyathai Nawamin

2 Min

23/11/2022

AI Translated

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Should earwax in children be removed or left alone?

All parents surely know that maintaining their child’s body cleanliness is important, including even the narrowest and deepest parts like the ear canal. Some families even clean their child’s earwax daily. But have you ever wondered if we should really clean children’s earwax, and how to properly care for children’s ear hygiene?

What causes earwax and why do we have it?

Earwax is a secretion produced in the outer ear canal. Its function is to protect the eardrum from infections, trap dust and foreign objects, and also prevent water from entering the ear. Most earwax resembles dead skin and can naturally fall out when chewing or moving the mouth.

Should we clean our child’s ears?

Many parents may have asked doctors, “Should I clean my child’s ears?” because they think earwax should always be cleaned out. In fact, the principle is that we should not insert anything into the ear canal because it can cause scratches, bleeding, or even perforate the eardrum. Cleaning the ears may push earwax deeper against the eardrum, causing inflammation, which can affect hearing.

Proper ear hygiene care for children

When bathing, washing the face, or shampooing your child, water may enter the outer ear canal slightly. It is recommended that parents use a dry, soft, and clean cloth to gently clean as much as possible. If you want to use a cotton bud, do so carefully without inserting it too deep, and use a large-headed cotton bud to prevent it from getting stuck in the child’s ear canal.

Cleaning children’s ears is not something parents need to worry about too much. However, if your child experiences ear fullness, unclear hearing, ear pain, or has excessive earwax, it is better to take them to see a doctor.

 

Dr. Methee Ungaporn
Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist
Child and Adolescent Health Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital


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