Ear Wax: Symptoms of Buildup and Treatments – ChildrensMD

Ear Wax: Symptoms of Buildup and Treatments – ChildrensMD


Earwax is a normal, natural protectant the body produces that lubricates and cleans the ears. However, too much wax can become an issue, causing narrowing of the ear canal or occlusion. Dr. Maithilee Menezes, Otolaryngologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, describes symptoms of ear wax buildup and how you can treat it. Most of the time the body will self-clean, but some over-the-counter products can be used to help soften the wax and make it easier to gently come out. Your child’s pediatrician may also refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor who can use special instruments to examine and flush out ear wax buildup. For questions about ear wax impaction, talk to your pediatrician or contact St. Louis Children’s Hospital.



Originally published in childrensmd.org