G.M.COMPLEX, GM Palya Main Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560075

+91 99454 88546

+91 99454 88546

Ear Wax

Ear Wax
  • Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the ear from dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles.
  • Its texture can vary from dry and flaky to wet and sticky, and its color ranges from yellow to brown.
  • Accumulation of excess ear wax can cause hearing difficulties, earaches, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
  • Methods for removing ear wax include ear irrigation using warm water, over-the- counter ear drops to soften the wax, and manual removal by ENT specialist using specialized tools like a curette or suction device.
  • Cotton swabs should be avoided for ear wax removal as they can push wax deeper into the ear canal and potentially cause injury.
  • Regular hygiene practices, such as gently wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth, can help prevent excessive wax buildup.
  • It’s essential to be cautious and hence ear wax removal at home should be avoided to protect from damaging the delicate structures of the ear canal and impacting hearing

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.

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 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.