ear wax in toddler

[NSmomtobe]

My son has an ear infection in at least one ear--the doctor couldn't see into the other ear because there was too much ear wax in the way. I would like to do something to flush out the ear wax before we go back to see if the infection is gone. I asked my doctor what he would suggest, and he said to put a couple of drops of peroxide and a cotton ball into each ear before bed. I didn't like the sounds of that, so I looked online and I have seen olive oil and mineral/baby oil suggested in addition to or instead of peroxide. But I am afraid of doing it wrong and causing damage or making a mess. So for those who have done it before, here are my questions:

1. What are the pros and cons of using peroxide vs. oil? Is mineral oil better than olive oil?

2. How many days would I have to use the drops? How many times per day? How many drops at a time?

3. Can I pour it in his ear while he's asleep? Everyone says to prepare for a struggle, but couldn't it be avoided if he was already asleep?

4. Should I use a towel under his head rather than a cotton ball in his ear? I just think the ball would keep things in instead of letting them drain out, wouldn't it?

5. Is this process going to hurt his ears because of the infection?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[Marnica]

Why don't you like the sound of the peroxide?? - this is very safe an effective (and will also treat the ear infection)

My almost 3 yr old DS has a major wax issue. His ND told me about the peroxide and I put a few drops in both ears once every 2 weeks to keep the wax at bay. If he has an infection I do this daily until it clears. The peroxide can be a bit drying so you can mix it with a few drops of a carrier oil. This is basically what the ear wax remover kits are that you buy in the store.

I also bought an otoscope so I can assess the wax situation myself. I also use garlic/meullin drops when he has an infection.

We have had great success with keeping the wax under control and treating any infections this way. I have also used this method on myelf with good results.

I have my son lie down with his head on a towel while he watches TV (only way he'sll stay put!) and we do each side for 10 min. The cotton ball doesn't stay in and absorbs the liquid anyway so seemed counter productive

[NiteNicole]

When we were kids, we swam pretty much all day every day in the summer.  My dad used to make us use peroxide after swimming and we never had swimmers ear.  It bubbles, it's not painful but it does tickle.

Get him to lie on his side and tell him you're putting tickle juice or bubbles in his ear.  After a few minutes, get him to turn his head (use a wash cloth or flat cotton pad or something to catch what runs out) and while that ear drains, do the other. 

There's also an OTC product called Debrox (or something similar).  It's mostly peroxide but it comes with a dropper, which is easier than using the peroxide bottle lid!