Earwax removal in children is avoided if the earwax doesn’t cause symptoms.
There is an over-the-counter (OTC) product called Debrox that can do the same.
If needed, they can perform a manual extraction of earwax using specialized tools.
Verywell / Julie Bang
If earwax doesn’t come out and gets stuck in the canal, it is referred to asearwax impaction.
Baby oil, mineral oil, and diluted hydrogen peroxide are generally safe for babies and children.
If in doubt, speak with your child’s pediatrician.
To apply eardrops safely:
You do not need to flush out the ear to remove the earwax.
In most cases, it will come out on its own or while the child is bathing or showering.
If the eardrop causes pain, stop immediately.
This may suggest that theeardrum is ruptured, a condition that needs to be seen by a pediatrician.
To Flush or Not Flush?
Doing so poses certain risks, including eardrum damage and ear infection.
It may also force the wax even further into the smaller ear canal.
Whatever the child’s age,do not perform ear irrigation without first speaking with a pediatrician.
None of these are considered safe and should never be used.
Removal techniques toavoidinclude:
There is no situation in which any of these tools are considered appropriate or safe.
Earwax removal is the most commonotolaryngologic(ear and throat) procedure performed by physicians in the United States.
Tools used for extraction include:
Cerumenolytics with ear irrigation are usually the first-line approach to earwax extraction.
If these fail or cannot be used, manual extraction may be used.
you’re able to reduce the risk by replacing earbuds with noise-canceling headphones.
Summary
Earwax in children doesn’t need treatment if it causes no symptoms.
There is also an OTC product called Debrox used specifically for earwax softening.
If earwax is causing hearing loss, ear pain, or ear discharge, see a pediatrician for treatment.
If you choose to clean your child’s ears, the less invasive the treatment, the better.
See a pediatrician if you have any concerns.
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