Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Your Child’s Ears


Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Your Child’s Ears



When you look into your childs ears and see an excess of wax, your first instinct is to clean their ears. However, you might begin to wonder:should you be cleaning your children's ears?

Parents often believe earwax is unhealthy, and when they see it, they’ll take action to remove it. Yet, doctors and pediatricians say that some earwax is normal. Earwax is necessary to protect your ear from dirt and debris that could interfere with your hearing.

However, there are times when your child may experience wax buildup. When this occurs, it is necessary to remove this excess wax. What is the right way to clean their ears safely and effectively?



Anatomy of the Ear

Before you consider cleaning your child's ears, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of the anatomy of the human ear. The ear is made up of three essential parts, each having a crucial role in how your ear resonates sound.

The three parts to the ear are:


  • Outer Ear: Also called the pinna, this is the outer-most portion, made of cartilage and skin. This is the part of the ear you can see. The outer ear also refers to the entrance to the ear canal. It leads to the eardrum and is how sound carries to the middle ear.

  • Middle Ear: This part of the ear is better known as the eardrum. The eardrum is responsible for creating the vibrations that will later convert to sound. This portion of the ear is sensitive to damage and is the reason you must avoid cotton swabs.

  • Inner Ear:This section of the ear is beyond the eardrum and is responsible for converting vibrations to sensory impulses. Once these impulses reach the brain, the vibrations turn into sound. This section of the ear also regulates balance.

Something to keep in mind regarding the anatomy of the ear is the age of the child. While the basic anatomy is the same, regardless of age, the parts that make up your child's ears are much smaller than that of an adult—and of course, the ears of your infant will be even that much smaller than an older child. For this reason, you must take special care when it comes tocleaning your infant’s ears.



What Causes Wax Buildup?

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands within the ear canal. It serves a role in the health of your ear. It lubricates and protects your ear canal, keeping foreign bodies from damaging your hearing.

In the United States, 1 in 10 children will suffer from too much of this protecting lubricant. The cause for this excess wax is more biological than environmental.

Biologically, when your child's ears produce more cerumen than the body can remove on its own, it creates this accumulation. Diet, stress, and illness are the most common biological factors.

The environmental factors are the things your child comes into contact without in the world. These factors include:


  • Weather
  • Use of cotton swabs
  • Hearing aids
  • Allergens

Whether it be biological or environmental factors that cause issues for your child, it is time to take action.


5 Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Your Child’s Ears

The long-term effect of wax buildup is hearing loss as the child ages. When a child suffers from excess wax, regular cleaning is necessary. Knowing how to keep them clean can be a concern. Here are a few frequently asked questions about cleaning your children's ears.


1. Is it Safe to Clean My Child’s Ear at Home?

Pediatricians agree that it is perfectly safe for a parent to clean their children's ears when that child suffers from increased cerumen. Make sure that you use a clean washcloth or cotton balls when you do this.


2. How Often Should I Clean My Child’s Ears?

Daily cleaning of your children's ears is probably unnecessary, even if they suffer from wax buildup. However, daily cleaning is still safe.


3. Are Cotton Swabs Safe to Use in My Child’s Ear?


No. Do not place cotton swabs inside the canal of you or your children's ears. Cotton swabs have their place in personal hygiene—and that place is not your children's ears.


4. Do Ear Candles Work?

Ear candling, as it is called by those who engage in the practice, is done with a cylindrical tube made of cloth and covered in wax. The tapered end is placed inside the canal, while the other is light on fire. As the ear "candle" burns, it pulls wax and other debris from the ear.

Doctors generally discourage this practice. The hazards that accompany lighting a tube on fire against your child's ear are far greater than the benefits. 


5. Do Ear Drops or Sprays Work?

Yes. Doctors recommend the use of a topical ear cleaning solution when it comes to ear care. While some parents might try an at-home remedy, an over-the-counter solution works just as well.


SENSES™ Natural Ear Mist Makes Cleaning Children’s Ears Easy

At ENT Naturals, we take pride in our all-natural, physician-formulated products. Our topical treatments are easy to use and safe for you and your family. We even have an ear mist for your pet!

We use only US-based pharmaceutical grade materials. Our state-of-the-art filling process ensures that our products are the highest quality organic topical solutions for your ears, nose, and throat.

Do you or your children suffer from ear wax buildup? Our all-natural ear relief spray, SENSES™ Naturals Ear Mist provides soothing you can enjoy every day. Order today!

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