Earwax Buildup in Children

Earwax Buildup in Children

The ears produce a substance called earwax that helps keep bacteria out of the ear and protects the skin in the ear canal. Occasionally, earwax can build up in the ear and cause discomfort or hearing loss.

What increases the risk?

This condition is more likely to develop in children who:

  • Clean their ears often with cotton swabs.
  • Pick at their ears.
  • Use earplugs often.
  • Use in-ear headphones often.
  • Wear hearing aids.
  • Naturally produce more earwax.
  • Have developmental disabilities.
  • Have autism.
  • Have narrow ear canals.
  • Have earwax that is overly thick or sticky.
  • Have eczema.
  • Are dehydrated.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Reduced or muffled hearing.
  • A feeling of something being stuck in the ear.
  • An obvious piece of earwax that can be seen inside the ear canal.
  • Rubbing or poking the ear.
  • Fluid coming from the ear.
  • Ear pain.
  • Ear itch.
  • Ringing in the ear.
  • Coughing.
  • Balance problems.
  • A bad smell coming from the ear.
  • An ear infection.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your child’s symptoms.
  • Your child’s medical history.
  • An ear exam. During the exam, a health care provider will look into your child’s ear with an instrument called an otoscope.

Your child may have tests, including a hearing test.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated by:

  • Using ear drops to soften the earwax.
  • Having the earwax removed by a health care provider. The health care provider may:
    • Flush the ear with water.
    • Use an instrument that has a loop on the end (curette).
    • Use a suction device.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
  • Follow instructions from your child’s health care provider about cleaning your child’s ears.Do notover-clean your child’s ears.
  • Do notput any objects, including cotton swabs, into your child’s ear. You can clean the opening of your child’s ear canal with a washcloth or facial tissue.
  • Have your child drink enough fluid to keep urine clear or pale yellow. This will help to thin the earwax.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. If earwax builds up in your child’s ears often, your child may need to have his or her ears cleaned regularly.

If your child has hearing aids, clean them according to instructions from the manufacturer and your child’s health care provider.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • Your child has ear pain.
  • Your child has blood, pus, or other fluid coming from the ear.
  • Your child has some hearing loss.
  • Your child has ringing in his or her ears that does not go away.
  • Your child develops a fever.
  • Your child feels like the room is spinning (vertigo).
  • Your child’s symptoms do not improve with treatment.

Get help right away if:

  • Your child who is younger than 3 months has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher.

Summary

  • Earwax can build up in the ear and cause discomfort or hearing loss.
  • The most common symptoms of this condition include reduced or muffled hearing and a feeling of something being stuck in the ear.
  • This condition may be diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms, his or her medical history, and an ear exam.
  • This condition may be treated by using ear drops to soften the earwax or by having the earwax removed by a health care provider.
  • Do notput any objects, including cotton swabs, into your child’s ear. You can clean the opening of your child’s ear canal with a washcloth or facial tissue.
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