Earwax may seem gross, but it has an important job---keeping the inside of the ear healthy. It traps dust and other particles that could enter the ear canal and cause infections or damage. It helps keep the ear from getting too dry and protects ear tissue from water. However, an excessive buildup of earwax can cause problems in toddlers such as pain, infection and impaired hearing. It needs to come out.
General Maintenance
Parents usually need to do very little to control their toddler's earwax. A toddler who gets regular baths and stays properly hydrated will most likely not have problems with earwax. If any wax appears outside of the ear canal, use a damp rag or finger to gently wipe it out. An ear swab is fine to use if you're careful not to stick it in the ear canal.
If you find an excessive amount of wax in your toddler's ears, or if he shows signs of discomfort such as rubbing his ears or tugging on them, make an appointment with the child's doctor. The doctor can get rid of the wax and check to see that nothing else is wrong with your toddler's ears.
Medical Help
A doctor has several ways of removing wax from the toddler's ears. He may use an instrument called a curette to scoop or gently scrape out the built-up wax. The doctor can also flush out the ear with a warm liquid, which will soften the wax and allow it to come out more easily. The wax can be suctioned out. If the doctor finds signs of infection, she can prescribe ear drops to the toddler. If the wax removal will be especially painful, or if the child is uncooperative, general anesthesia may be required to remove it.
Parents should not attempt to remove earwax from their toddler's ear canal. Inserting an ear swab or anything else into the toddler's ear canal could cause serious damage and may force the earwax farther into the canal. A child who has regular problems with earwax buildup or blockages should see a doctor, who can give parents or guardians tips on stop the buildup from becoming a problem. These may include regular flushes with warm liquid and the use of an over-the-counter earwax remover. Follow all directions carefully and work closely with the toddler's doctor to avoid causing serious damage to the child's ears.
Tags: toddler ears, your toddler ears, problems with, problems with earwax, serious damage