Earwax is one of those little things parents can oversee until their child starts complaining about discomfort. Usually, there's no need to remove earwax because most of the time it comes out by itself but if you see a big chunk in your child’s ear, it is something you should be concerned about. 

But one thing you should know is while earwax might seem icky, it actually plays an important role in ear health and keeping them bacteria-free. But how do you know when it’s too much? And is it safe to clean at home? Let’s break it down so you can keep your child’s ears healthy and happy. Stay tuned! 

What Exactly is Ear Wax?  

Our body has natural mechanisms to keep its inner environment germ-free, moist, and temperature-balanced - and earwax is one of them. Earwax, or cerumen (seh-ROO-mun), is the waxy, yellowish substance that your child’s ear canal naturally produces. 

Despite the fact that everybody finds it annoying and a nuisance, it’s actually your body’s built-in defense system. It keeps your ears hydrated and traps debris and germs that can reach and damage your eardrum. To your surprise, it also has antibacterial properties which means it helps prevent infections. And here’s the best part: the ears are self-cleaning! In most cases, earwax moves out on its own without any help.

When Should I Worry About My Child’s Ear Wax?  

In general, your kid’s ear makes as much wax as it needs so usually there's no need to remove earwax because it comes out by itself. While earwax is totally normal, here’s when you should pay closer attention:

• Excessive earwax accumulated and obstructed the ear canal.

• Children Complaining about Hearing Issues

• Pain, Itching, Ringing, fullness, or Discomfort

• Ear pain

• Dizziness

• A Persistent Cough

• Ear Drainage with Foul Smell or Discharge

• Impaction

Babies or toddlers with impacted earwax may cry, pull at their ears, or seem disoriented and unsteady. The table below will help you understand what different earwax colors in your kid’s ear mean and what action you can take to ensure their ears stay healthy.

Can I Safely Clean My Child’s Ear Wax at Home? 

Yes, but with caution. The biggest mistake parents make is using cotton swabs (Q-tips). A general rule of thumb is to avoid removing ear wax from your child's ear with your fingers, cotton swabs, or other things. This is because inserting such things can push wax farther into the delicate ear canal. 

So, if your child complains about earwax, it can be removed by simply taking a bath or wiping the outside ear with a warm wet washcloth.  You should speak with your physician or an ear expert if you think the obstruction is severe. 

Best Way to Clean Children's Earwax

Earwax might be a little gross, but you don’t have to worry about it. We have brought you the ultimate step-by-step guide to help you out:

1. Start with a Warm Washcloth

The first thing to do if you see the wax in your kid’s ear is to wipe it down. Gently wipe the wax with a warm, damp washcloth from the external part of the ear.

2. Soften the Wax with Drops

Over-the-counter earwax softening drops (like baby-safe hydrogen peroxide drops) can help loosen stubborn wax. 

3. Let Gravity Do Its Job: 

Have your child lie on their side for a few minutes after applying ear drops to allow the wax to move naturally. Put on their favorite cartoon while they wait. Believe us, it works wonders.

4. Need a More Thorough Clean? Use an Electric Ear Cleaner:

If you want a safe, high-tech solution, Bebird’s EarSight Pro Ear Wax Remover allows you to see inside the ear canal while cleaning gently. With its IoT capability, it allows you to connect with healthcare professionals and get real-time advice.

5. Opt for an Electric Ear Cleaner: 

Bebird’s EarSight Complete Ear Care Tool is an electric cleaner designed for gentle and thorough cleaning. Understanding the delicacy of ear anatomy, this rechargeable, gentle ear vacuum helps you to remove wax buildup painlessly and smoothly. Moreover, to increase functionality and comfort, this tool has multiple suction levels, so you can adjust it according to your needs.

6. Use a Wax Cleaning Tool Set: 

Bebird’s EarSight Plus offers specialized tools to safely remove excess earwax without causing damage. Made with medical-grade materials, they’re designed to be gentle enough for kids while still being effective in removing stubborn wax. 

But still, if you are a new mom or feel unsure, it is better to see your pediatrician before using any cleaning tools.

Final Words:

All in all, it’s crucial to understand that earwax is a part of the immune system and it is removed naturally. You don’t need to clean it frequently assuming it is dirt. However, in rare cases, kids’ ears produce excessive ear wax which can block their ear canal and lead to hearing problems. But don’t worry, the remedy is simple.

Go for the safe cleaning methods and safe tools prescribed by doctors such as using warm washcloths or ear drops. You should avoid risky methods such as intervening cotton swabs or fingers. However, seek professional help, if the situation seems complex. 

Get the Best Solutions for Safe & Easy Earwax Removal!

At Bebird, we offer safe, easy-to-use, and high-tech ear-cleaning solutions designed with your little one’s delicate ears in mind. Our best-selling products include EarSight Pro Ear Wax Remover and EarSight Complete Ear Care Tool.

Want to take the stress out of ear cleaning? Check out Bebird’s pediatrician-approved earwax removal tools for a safe and easy way to keep your child’s ears clean. Click here to shop now!

Read more: When Earwax Blocks the Ears, Why Does the Chin Hurt Too?