If a doctor suggests you try removing your child's earwax at home, here's how you can do it safely:
Softening the Earwax
The key to safe earwax removal is to soften it first. This makes it easier to come out and prevents you from pushing it further into the ear canal.
Here are two methods recommended for softening earwax:
Using Mineral Oil
- Warm some mineral oil. Make sure it’s just lukewarm, not hot.
- Use a dropper to place 2 drops of the warm mineral oil into the affected ear.
- Let the oil sit in the ear for a few minutes.
- You can do this twice a day for a few days to soften the wax.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide Solution
- Mix hydrogen peroxide with an equal amount of room temperature water.
- Warm the mixture to body temperature (it should not feel hot or cold on your skin).
- Use a dropper to place 2 drops of the solution into the ear.
- Leave it in for a few minutes, up to 5 minutes.
- You can repeat this 2 times a day for up to 5 days.
How to Administer Ear Drops
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Warm the solution to body temperature |
| 2 | Have your child lie on their side, with affected ear facing up. |
| 3 | Gently pull their earlobe downward and back. |
| 4 | Place 2 drops of the solution into the ear. |
| 5 | Have them remain on their side for a few minutes. |
| 6 | Gently wipe away any excess fluid. |
Important Notes
- Never use cotton swabs (Q-tips) to remove earwax. These can push the wax further in and potentially damage the ear canal.
- If your child experiences pain, discomfort, or any signs of infection, stop the home treatment and contact your pediatrician.
- It's best to let earwax come out on its own after it's been softened.
- If the earwax is severe or if these methods don't work, it's crucial to see a doctor for professional ear cleaning.
