It’s a surprising fact, but children are twice as likely than adults to suffer from excessive or impacted earwax.
With experts reporting it occurs in every one in 10 kids, it’s a common condition that parents should know how to treat - and importantly, how NOT to treat.
Excessive earwax can be a serious condition if left untreated in children. Source: Supplied
The condition itself is hard to diagnose, given the major symptom of hear loss is often unable to be explained by children.
In smaller ear canals and ears, wax build up can cause a blockage more quickly and if not treated can impact on hearing and potentially lead to infection of the outer ear where water becomes trapped behind built up wax.
If you sense your baby can't hear you well, go straight to the doctor for a hearing test. Source: iStock
To help prevent this from happening, here’s a guide from Registered Nurse and earwax expert, Lisa Hellwege, on how to keep child’s ear health in good order.
Children’s ears, like adults' ears, are actually designed to be self-cleaning; they normally do not need to be ‘cleaned’. A cloth should only be used on the outside of the ear and no fingers or cotton buds should be inserted into the ear.
Using cotton buds or other objects inside the ear canal can push the wax further down the canal, worsening symptoms. A soft washcloth is also a safe method if a child has any residue on the outer ear after an infection.
Keep these bad boys away from ears. Source: iStock
Olive oil and other commercially prepared ear wax softening drops from the chemist soften and break down excessive earwax that may be causing a blockage. For olive oil use, it’s recommended right before bed, to use four to six drops in each ear as the child lies on either side for five minutes. Cotton wool can be used in the outer ear afterwards to keep the drops inside the ear for longer. Never use a cotton bud to for the olive oil or clean away the wax as it may push wax further down the canal.
Dry ears after water
To prevent infections, blockages and keep the ears clean, try to dry a child’s ears after a bath, shower or swim. Tilt the child’s ear to one side against a towel to allow the water to drip out on its own. A hairdryer on low heat may also be used for any trapped water within the canal. For any abnormal secretions from the ear, always consult your doctor.
Keeping the ears dry should be a part of your child's bathing routine. Source: iStock
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