Taking care of your child’s ears is an important part of maintaining their hearing health. Here are some practical tips to help keep their ears clean and healthy:
✅ What to Do:
- Let the ears clean themselves: Ears are self-cleaning. Wax naturally moves out of the ear canal on its own.
- Wipe the outer ear: Use a damp cloth to gently clean around the outer ear — never insert anything into the ear canal.
- Seek medical help if needed: See your local doctor if your child has a buildup of wax affecting their hearing, or if they experience ear pain, ringing, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Protect from loud noise: Encourage your child to wear ear protection (like earplugs or noise-canceling headphones) in noisy environments to prevent damage.
- Dry ears properly: After swimming or bathing, gently dry the outer ear with a towel to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections like swimmer’s ear.
❌ What NOT to Do:
- Avoid cotton buds or hairpins: Never insert foreign objects into the ear canal, as this can push wax further in or cause injury.
- Say no to ear candles: These are not safe or effective for removing wax and can cause burns or blockages.
- Don’t ignore ear pain: Persistent pain, fluid discharge, or hearing loss should always be checked by a healthcare professional — don’t wait for it to go away on its own.
🌟 Extra Tips for Kids with Hearing Devices:
- Check for wax regularly: Ear wax buildup can affect how hearing aids or cochlear implants work. If you notice a decrease in sound quality, wax could be the cause.
- Keep devices clean: Clean hearing aids daily, following the audiologist’s instructions, and store them in a dry place.
Good ear health supports better hearing, which is essential for your child’s communication and development. When in doubt, always ask your doctor or audiologist for advice.
Download the Real Life Tips infographic.
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