Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a naturally occurring substance in the ear canal. It benefits our ears in several ways, though too much of it can cause discomfort. If your child is complaining about itching or discomfort because of too much earwax, here’s how you can help them.
Earwax Has an Important Role
Earwax has several protective functions in our ears, including
- Acting as a waterproof lining for the ear canal
- Protecting the ear canal from germs
- Preventing dust, dirt and other particles from irritating the eardrum
When Earwax Should Be Removed
Children’s ears rarely produce too much earwax, and earwax will usually come out by itself when it’s ready to be removed. Do not stick anything into your child’s ears to remove wax, since this may cause an infection.
Along with infection, pushing earwax with cotton swabs or other objects can cause a buildup that block the ear canal. An ENT can help remove these impactions if they result in pain or trouble hearing.
Ways To Help Your Child
If your child is complaining about earwax, wiping the outside of their ear with a warm washcloth may help. Avoid using anything to poke inside of their ear.
Seek medical attention if your child experiences:
- Difficulty hearing
- Ear pain
- A blocked feeling in the ear
Our team can help your child if they are frequently bothered by earwax. Schedule an appointment with Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today to experience our empathetic and compassionate care.
