Excessive Ear Wax Can Lead to Hearing Loss: What Parents Can Do at Home

What is ear wax?

Buildup of ear wax, is a common concern among parents.  Ear wax is produced into the external canal where it helps to protect the thin lining of skin there from dryness as well as infection from bacteria and fungi.  Wax also contributes to cleaning of the ear canal as it travels outward, carrying particulate matter such as dust and dirt along with it.  

Why should I care if my child has ear wax? Is it serious?

Excessive or impacted ear wax, however, may cause problems including a feeling of fullness in the ear, pain, and even hearing loss as sound waves are blocked.  This type of hearing loss is known as a conductive hearing loss.  In children, clogged ears are often due to smaller ear canals rather than an excessive production of ear wax.

How do I find out if my child has ear wax?

While excessive ear wax may occasionally need to be treated by an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) doctor, or Otolaryngologist, there are several things parents can try at home to help identify and treat the problem.  Excessive ear wax can sometimes be seen by looking closely at the ear canal with a flashlight.  A much better view can often be achieved with a home otoscope for parents like The Deebo® Otoscope.  It’s good to know that a small amount of ear wax, while not a serious problem, can sometimes make it hard to see the ear drum with an otoscope.  A portion of the ear drum may still come into view, however, with a slight change in the angle of observation. 

Examining the ear canal for excessive ear wax with the Deebo® Otoscope.

How do I get rid of ear wax?

Ear wax can be present in various amounts and consistencies – sometimes soft, sometimes hard and dry.  Excessive buildup of ear wax, significant enough to impede normal hearing, can usually be treated by gentle irrigation with warm water or saline using a small rubber bulb syringe.  Dry wax can be softened first if necessary with a few drops of mineral oil or dilute (3%) hydrogen peroxide twice a day for up to five days.  Parents should avoid using any sharp objects, such as hairpins, or even cotton swabs in the ear.  Cotton swabs don’t get around ear wax very well and tend to make matters worse by pushing it further inward toward the ear drum.  

When should I call the doctor?

When conservative measures at home aren’t working, parents should seek the advice of a physician who may use a small curette and/or gentle suction to remove the wax, sometimes with the use of a microscope.  Once a blockage of ear wax is removed from the ear drum, should be easily seen and any symptoms of pain, discomfort or conductive hearing loss relieved.  If excessive ear wax becomes a recurrent problem, a preventative medication may be recommended such over the counter (OTC) carbamide peroxide (6.5%) to be used as directed for one week every season (i.e. four times a year).  

Some ear wax in the ear canal is normal, but checking for a complete blockage is important! And can be done safely at home!

Author: Austin S. Rose, MD, MBA, FARS - Pediatric Otolaryngologist