Ear Wax (Cerumen) in Children and Adults: What You Should Know

Ear Wax (Cerumen) in Children and Adults: What You Should Know

Why Ear Wax Matters—and When It Doesn’t 

Ear wax, or cerumen, is a natural protector—moisturizing the ear canal, trapping dust and debris, and preventing infection. For most people, ear wax moves outward on its own and doesn’t require any intervention. However, when buildup causes blockage or symptoms, professional care is the safest choice.

Common Concerns & Risks of DIY Cleaning

Many patients try to manage ear wax at home with cotton swabs or ear candles, but these methods can push wax deeper, damage the eardrum, or even lead to infection. Families often ask about safe ways to clean a child’s ears—Dr. Timothy Queen recommends avoiding swabs altogether and only wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth. For both kids and adults, unsafe tools should be avoided.

Signs That Ear Wax Needs Professional Attention

If you or your child has any of the following, it may be time for ear wax removal:

• A feeling of fullness or blockage
• Hearing loss, buzzing, or ringing
• Itchiness or pain in the ear
• Dizziness or unusual discharge

Impacted ear wax affects about 10% of children and 5% of adults. Children, older adults, and patients who use hearing aids are at higher risk. Since kids may not be able to describe symptoms, parents should schedule an evaluation if they notice ear discomfort, hearing issues, or fussiness. 

Safe Ear Wax Management at Home

If there are no concerning symptoms, you can try simple home remedies before scheduling an appointment:

• Wipe the outer ear gently with a washcloth after bathing.
• Use ear drops (like carbamide peroxide) for a few days to soften wax.
• A few drops of mineral oil or olive oil may help loosen buildup over 1–2 weeks.

Important: Avoid irrigation or drops if there’s a history of ear tubes, surgery, perforated eardrum, or infection. In these cases, see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist first.

When to See a Physician

If home treatments don’t work—or if you’re experiencing pain, drainage, or hearing loss—professional help is best. At Advanced ENT & Allergy in Newport News, VA, Dr. Queen uses safe, effective methods such as:

• Irrigation with body-temperature fluid under controlled conditions
• Manual removal using specialized ENT tools
• Microsuction, a quick and comfortable technique that gently vacuums wax away

These procedures are painless and much safer than at-home methods. Patients often notice immediate relief in hearing and comfort after treatment.

Safe Ear Health Tips for Families

• Don’t dig inside the ear canal—only clean what you can see.
• Avoid cotton swabs and ear candles.
• Use softening drops if recommended.
• Schedule regular ENT visits if you or your child are prone to wax buildup.

If you are experiencing ear pain, a feeling of fullness, blockage, hearing loss, buzzing, ringing, or itchiness in your ear, or if you are experiencing dizziness or unusual discharge from your ear, it is time to seek help. Dr. Timothy Queen, his nurse practitioner, Erica Cherry, and the entire caring team at Advanced ENT & Allergy, in Newport News, VA is here to help. You can click here to request an appointment. We look forward to serving you!   

Reference

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2789495