A Cotton-Swab Caution

A Cotton-Swab Caution

Did you know it's common to puncture a child's eardrum when cleaning it with a cotton swab? Remove earwax safely with this advice from Christopher Hampson, M.D., an otolaryngologist outside of Chicago.

Don't

* Clean more than twice a week. Earwax is actually beneficial and helps keep the ear canal moisturized while preventing debris and dirt from getting in.

* Use cotton swabs or other small objects to clean the ear. If swab is inserted too far,it can bruise or tear a whole in the eardrum, which could lead to permanent hearing loss.

* Use over-the-counter solutions to clean the ears if your child has ear tubes. Ingredients like peroxide and alcohol can burn and cause inflammation if they get in the tube. And don't use an ear candle, which are ineffective and can be dangerous.


Do

* Uses a tissue or warm washcloth. This way you can gently clean earwax from the opening of the ear canal.

* See your physician if your child is in pain or complains about muffled hearing. This could be caused by an excessive amount of wax. Your doctor will either remove the plug in the office or prescribe a solution to clear it.

* Try mineral-oil drops. If your child has mild to moderate earwax buildup, use two or three drops twice a week to soften earwax and prevent buildup.





Posted by: Georgie




Credit: Parents Magazine