Ear Wax

[Caidyn]

At DS last Dr. appt. we were told that he had some ear wax in his ear. I asked if I should do anything about and was told that I could use olive oil if I'd like to. Can anyone enlighten me about this issue?

Thanks!

[MaryMarg]

I can say I commiserate with you! Both of our children have excessive earwax! At every doctor's appt, he pulls out globs with an small ear-instrument in order to look at their eardrums! We try to remember to get them to lie down in the warm water of the bathtub which seems to help flush out some wax--we see it on pillowcases the next day (yuck, I know). Also, our pedi recommended a 50:50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and warm water. We have done this often and use a dropper to put it in the kids' ears, especially when DD acts like she can't hear b/c of too much wax!! (They lie on our lap or the solution will run out). I will say this, though, DD HATES this with a passion b/c she says it's too "loud." The bubbling from the peroxide, I guess. DS doesn't seem to care. I've used olive oil (with garlic seeped in it then drained) for earaches, but never just oil to remove wax. Did your doc just say drop it in there?? *A reminder with any child not to put anything in the ear if they might have a perforation.*

[northcountrymamma]

depends on how much, ear wax is anti-viral so removing too much can be an issue in and on it's own. It does serve a purpose.

That said if it appears to be blocking the ear canal often it is preferrable to the child to remove it gently. We have had to do this as dd kept telling me her ears were blocked...which upon observation, they were severely blocked. We did garlic oil (recommended by NP) and ear candles. Have never tried hydrogen peroxide but am considering it...I have heard a lot about the wonders of it for our ears lately. Anyone else tried this?