How To Clean A Child’s Ears
Wax is a protective substance. But too much can plug the ear causing a very uncomfortable feeling. Learning how to clean a child’s ears is an important and very simple task.
The wax protects the eardrum from foreign agents such as water, dirt, dust and even insects. It prevents these elements from entering the ears. Wax also contains chemicals that fight infections.
The ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle and inner. The outer part includes the ear or ear that connects to the eardrum through the ear canal. The middle ear is the part between the eardrum and the inner ear structures.
On the surface of the ear canal there are special glands that produce wax, or cerumen, its technical name. This substance arrives at the opening of the outer ear slowly, where it becomes visible in the ear and comes out or falls out during showering.
How to clean the ear
When the body does not expel, this yellowish sticky substance can accumulate and plug the ear. The consequences of wax buildup are: hearing loss, dizziness or nausea.
A newborn is unlikely to have dirty ears. A superficial cleaning of the ears is enough. Over time, it’s important to learn how to clean your child’s ears to avoid mistakes. For example, if ear cleaning becomes an obsession, it can affect health.
No objects of any kind should be inserted into the ear. If you find that there is too much wax in the ear, it is best to consult your pediatrician. He will be able to assess whether in fact the ear is covered by the wax or even rule out other possible problems.
When objects are introduced into the ear, such as cotton swabs, there is a risk of pushing the wax into the ear.
Also, the risk of damaging the eardrum is great. If the baby makes an unexpected movement while you are cleaning the inside of your ear, it can be very dangerous. If the object is sharp, such as a toothpick with cotton wool, it can be even more risky.
The walls of the ear canal are very delicate in children, so inserting objects into the ear can cause the skin to peel. Ear wax production can increase as a defense mechanism and this could cause more problems.
How to get clean?
Ear wax buildup can be resolved in a number of ways, but nothing traumatic or risky.
One idea to clean your child’s ears is using mineral oil, olive oil or glycerin. It only takes two or three drops to dilute the wax, making it easier to get out. It is also recommended to apply two or three drops of preheated paraffin oil.
Another option for cleaning a child’s ears is to dissolve a teaspoon of salt in half a glass of water. Put a few drops in the ear, wait for a few minutes and tilt the baby’s head to drain the solution.
Another recommendation is to heat hydrogen peroxide or apply chamomile tea. Put the hot drops in your ear and wait until the wax starts to come out on its own.
If the wax still doesn’t come off or the baby starts to feel some pain, you need to see your doctor.
Bathing and cleaning the child’s ears
Use bath time to check the consistency and color of the wax. The consistency should be fine and the color should vary from light yellow, burnt yellow or half-orange. If the wax is thick and dark, consult your pediatrician for any problems.
Swabs are very useful for external cleaning of the ear. You can also use damp cloths with soap and water. In both cases, you need to hold the baby’s head to the side and make movements from the inside out, towards the ear.
If a little water gets into the baby’s ears while bathing, tilt the child’s head to both sides and then dry with a towel. That will be enough. It is recommended to do this process to prevent water from entering the ear canal.
If there is still water left in the ear, you have to rely on the shape of the ear and its natural features. The ear itself must prevent the water from reaching any deeper.
In newborns, cleaning the ear is not an everyday task. Over the months, however, more frequent cleaning will be needed. Parents must learn to clean their child’s ears properly until he can do it himself.
