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Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
Spanish version
Earwax Problems - Brief Version
What is earwax?
Everyone has earwax in the ears. It can be light yellow to
dark brown. Earwax can help kill germs. It helps protect
the inside of the ear canal.
The ear canal can clean itself. If you do nothing, most of
the time earwax will fall out on its own.
If earwax blocks one of the ear canals, your child may not
be able hear on that side. Then it is important to flush
out the packed earwax. Most of the time, it's best to just
leave it alone.
How can I take care of my child?
If your child has trouble with earwax, here's what you can
do:
Flush out packed earwax.
- If the wax is hard, soften it first. Put in 5 drops of
mineral oil or baby oil. Leave the oil in 1 to 2 hours.
- When the wax is soft, wash it out with a rubber ear
syringe. If you use a Water-Pik, set it on low. Make
sure the water is warm, but not hot. If it is not at
body temperature, your child could get dizzy.
- Flush out the ear several times until the water comes
out clear. The ear canal should seem open when you look
in with a light.
Remember: Never put water in the ear if your child has
tubes or if you think the eardrum could have a hole in
it.
Do not put cotton swabs inside the ear canal. When you put
cotton swabs inside the ear canal, it can pack the wax
deeper into the ear.
Call your child's doctor during office hours if:
- Your child's hearing does not go back to normal after
you flush out the earwax.
- You see anything but earwax coming from the ear canal.
- Problems with earwax happen again even after you no
longer use cotton swabs.
- You have other concerns or questions.
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