Key Pointers:
- Earwax is natural and usually protective, not dirty.
- Cotton buds often push wax deeper and may cause injury.
- Children’s ear canals are delicate, improper cleaning can harm hearing.
- ENTs have safe methods to remove stubborn or impacted earwax.
- Seek specialist care if earwax is causing pain, blockage, or hearing loss.
Why Kids Get Earwax in the First Place
Earwax, or cerumen, is made by small glands in the ear canal. It traps dust and bacteria, protecting the ear from infection. Most of the time, earwax naturally works its way out, especially when children chew or talk, as these jaw movements help move wax outward.
For kids, earwax may seem to build up faster because their ear canals are narrower. This makes blockages more common, but it doesn’t always mean the ears need “cleaning.”
The Common Mistake: Cotton Buds
Many parents instinctively reach for cotton buds when they see earwax. Unfortunately, this can do more harm than good.
- Wax pushed deeper: Instead of removing wax, cotton buds often push it further inside, where it can get stuck.
- Risk of injury: Children tend to move suddenly, and a slip with a cotton bud can scratch the ear canal or even perforate the eardrum.
- Over-cleaning: Removing too much wax strips away its protective barrier, leaving ears vulnerable to infection.
Paediatric ENTs often see children with ear pain or blocked hearing because well-meaning parents tried to clean their ears at home.
Safe Ear Care at Home
In most cases, parents don’t need to do anything. A few drops of water during bath time are enough to help soften earwax so it can come out naturally.
Other safe practices include:
- Wipe only the outside: Use a soft washcloth to clean around the ear, never inside the canal.
- Watch for symptoms: Itching, pain, discharge, or sudden hearing changes are red flags.
- Avoid ear candles or home tools: These methods are unsafe and can lead to burns or injury.
When to See an ENT for Earwax
Sometimes earwax does become a problem. You should bring your child to an ENT if:
- They complain of earache or pressure.
- You notice frequent tugging at the ear.
- There’s difficulty hearing, especially if teachers mention inattention at school.
- You see dark, hard wax that doesn’t shift over time.
- There’s discharge or a bad odour from the ear.
At Aurion ENT, Dr Liu Jiaying examines the ear using a lighted scope to see whether earwax is blocking the canal or if another issue, such as infection, is present.
How Specialists Remove Earwax Safely
If earwax needs removal, ENTs use gentle and precise techniques:
- Microsuction: A small device suctions out the wax under direct vision, minimising discomfort.
- Special instruments: Tiny, curved tools can lift out wax without pushing it further inside.
- Ear drops (in some cases): To soften hard wax before removal.
Because children’s ears are sensitive, these procedures are often done quickly and carefully in the clinic, without general anaesthesia.
FAQs About Earwax in Kids
1. Can I use olive oil or over-the-counter ear drops at home?
Sometimes softening drops are helpful, but they should only be used if recommended by a doctor. In some children, especially if there is an undiagnosed ear infection or eardrum issue, drops can worsen the problem.
2. How do I know if it’s earwax or an ear infection?
Earwax blockages usually cause fullness, mild hearing loss, or visible wax. Infections are more likely to cause pain, fever, or discharge. An ENT can confirm the difference with an ear examination.
3. Will earwax affect my child’s speech or learning?
Yes, if earwax is blocking the ear canal and reducing hearing, it can impact speech development and concentration in school. This is why checking with an ENT is important if hearing seems affected.
4. Is earwax removal painful for children?
With proper tools and a trained ENT, removal is usually quick and well tolerated. Children may feel some pressure or tickling, but the procedure is safe and much more comfortable than at-home attempts.
5. Do kids eventually outgrow earwax problems?
As children grow, their ear canals widen, and earwax often becomes less of an issue. However, some kids are naturally prone to more earwax build-up and may need occasional professional care.
Gentle Paediatric ENT Care in Singapore
At Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, Dr Liu Jiaying sees children with ear concerns ranging from wax impaction to infections and hearing loss. Parents can feel assured that their child’s ears will be examined and treated gently, with age-appropriate care.
Call +65 6908 1266 or Book an Appointment to consult Dr Liu Jiaying at Aurion ENT & Hearing Centre, located at Farrer Park Medical Centre.
