HealthWatch

Dealing With Earwax

Why Do Ears Make Wax?

Earwax is made in the outer ear canal, the area between the fleshy part of the ear on the outside of the head and the middle ear. The medical term for earwax is cerumen.

Earwax has some important jobs. It:

• acts as a waterproof lining of the ear canal, protecting it and the eardrum from germs that can cause infection

• traps dirt, dust, and other particles, keeping them from injuring or irritating the eardrum

The wax makes its way through the outer ear canal to the opening of the ear. Then it either falls out or comes out during bathing. In most people, the outer ear canal makes earwax all the time, so the canal always has enough wax in it.

Does Earwax Need to Be Removed?

Usually, there's no need to remove earwax because it comes out by itself. Sticking anything into a child's ears raises the risk of infection or damage to the ear canal or eardrum. Cotton swabs are handy for a variety of grooming needs, but should not be used to remove earwax. In most cases, regular bathing is enough to keep it at healthy levels.

While some people have more earwax than others, in general the ear makes as much wax as it needs. Rarely, kids' ears do make too much earwax. And sometimes earwax can build up and block the ear canal, especially when pushed in by a finger, cotton swab, or other object. This is called "impaction." If it affects hearing or causes pain or discomfort, a doctor can remove it.

Parents—and kids—shouldn't attempt to remove earwax at home, even with remedies that promise to be safe and effective. Doing so risks damage to the ear canal and, possibly, a child's hearing.

What Can Parents Do?

If your child complains of ear discomfort and you see earwax in the ear, it's okay to wipe the outside of the ear with a washcloth— but don't use a cotton swab, a finger, or anything else to poke inside the ear. It could damage the delicate ear canal and eardrum, or pack the wax in even further.

Check with your doctor before using an over-the-counter earwax removal treatment.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call the doctor if your child has:

• ear pain, itchiness, or discomfort (like a blocked feeling in the ears)

• hearing problems

In infants and toddlers, tugging at the ears can be sign of an ear problem.

Sometimes doctors will remove earwax:

• if it's painful, itchy, or uncomfortable

• if it affects hearing

• to get a better view of the eardrum to check for problems

Earwax removal usually is done in the doctor's office. There might be a little discomfort, but it isn't painful. If a child can't sit still or cooperate, the doctor can remove it in an operating room while the child is under general anesthesia.

Doctors can remove earwax in different ways, including:

• scooping it out, pulling it out, or suctioning it out with special instruments designed for this purpose

• flushing it out with warm water

Sometimes a doctor will put drops into the ear canal to soften the wax and break it down. Or they might ask you to do this at home and then return to the doctor for wax removal.

Removal takes only a few minutes. If there's a sign of infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic ear drops.

What Else Should I Know?

Ear candling has gained a lot of attention as a home remedy for earwax removal, but it hasn't been proved to be safe or effective— and can be dangerous.

In ear candling, one end of a cone-type device is inserted into the ear canal and the other end is set on fire. The idea is that the fire and the cone form a vacuum and extract the wax. Trying this at home carries a high risk of:

• burning the ear canal

• punching a hole in the eardrum, which can cause permanent hearing damage

Whenever you have any concerns about your child's ears or hearing, call your doctor.

–The Nemours Foundation, kidshealth.org

5 Steps to Babyproof Your Home

Your little one’s on-the-go adventures mark a huge milestone for their development and your family. Before you allow your baby to trek freely from room to room, get your home ready for a child on the move with these safety steps and precautions:

Prepare Before the Birth

First-time parents are likely to embark upon a new life filled with late nights, sleep deprivation, and a world of stresses they’ve never experienced or considered. Prepare your home before the baby is born to avoid the panic of waiting until the last minute.

Tour like a Tot

The first step toward ensuring your home is ready for a mobile child is to see the world from the same level. Take a crawling tour around your home to see things that may be in the way or discover hazardous items that are within easy reach. Use all of your senses to assess any potential dangers.

Latch it Up

Protect your little one from sharp objects and heavy items by installing child protection latches on all cabinets and drawers. For an added layer of protection, keep any sharp objects and harmful chemicals in high places only adults can reach.

Evaluate Leaning Objects

Bookshelves, bedside tables, and the items placed on them, such as television sets and other large appliances, can be a threat to the safety of a small child trying to pull themselves up and balance on two feet. Ensure these items are properly secured or keep them put away unless in use to avoid them being pulled on top of your child.

Other Safety Measures

To properly prepare your home for a mobile child, don’t forget to take steps such as:

• Covering electrical outlets with safety plugs

• Placing safety gates at the top and bottom of staircases

• Adding foam padding to sharp furniture corners and edges

• Installing fireplace screens

• Placing a soft cover over the bathtub waterspout

• Removing blinds with looped cords or installing safety tassels and cord stops

• Stocking your first aid kit

• Putting non-slip pads under rugs

Find more tips to child-proof your home at eLivingtoday.com.