Why Earwax is Needed and How to Properly Clean Babies' Ears

Earwax is not just dirt, it is actually good for the ears. It acts as a natural protective layer that prevents bacteria and fungi from entering the ear. Thanks to this layer of wax, the risk of developing inflammation in the ear canal, known as otitis externa, is reduced. In addition, earwax helps moisturize the ear canal.

How to properly clean babies' ears? The safest way is to gently wipe the ear canal with a cotton pad. However, care must be taken not to insert the disc too deep so as not to injure the ear.

What can happen if ears are cleaned with cotton swabs? If cotton swabs are used to clean the ears, there is a risk that the wax will go deeper into the ear canal and form wax plugs.

What to do if a wax plug occurs? Normally, the ear cleans itself, and excess wax is pushed out of the ear canal when chewing or talking. If wax does accumulate, it can be carefully removed by wiping the ear canal from the outside with a tissue.

It is recommended to visit a pediatric ENT doctor at least once a year for a routine examination. Such a visit allows for the timely detection and removal of wax plugs when the child is healthy, which makes the procedure more comfortable.

Reference:

https://www.verywellfamily.com/how-to-clean-your-child-s-ears-5235249