Earwax is an important secretion that protects the ear from external factors. Excess dirt can be gently removed, which, despite its protective properties, is still expelled. Especially in babies, the external auditory canal is short and delicate. Therefore, it is necessary to be more sensitive when cleaning the ears of babies. Otherwise, the dirt that needs to be removed from the ear can be pushed inwards and cause blockage and infection in the ear. So, what causes ear wax discharge in babies? When should a doctor be consulted? Details in our article.

What is Earwax?

Made up of a thick, sticky liquid produced by glands, earwax contains dead skin cells in the ear canal. Although this secretion can be disturbing for parents when it appears in the ear, it is completely part of physiology and is essential for the health of the ears. The secretion’s job is to trap dust and sand from the environment and prevent it from damaging the eardrum. As the secretion dries and is thrown out of the ear along with the dust and sand it contains, the secretions in the back move towards the auricle. In this way, this sticky liquid in the ear cleans the ear and protects it from external factors.

How Much Earwax Is Normal?

There is no known amount of earwax that should be secreted. However, if one ear has more secretions than the other, it may need to be checked by a doctor. The amount of earwax is also not related to factors such as time, age, gender, weather and season. If there is secretion in the ear but the eardrum is visible, that is, if the ear canal is not completely blocked, there is no problem.

How Does Earwax Form?

Ear secretion is produced by the outward growth of microscopic hairs called ‘cilia’ in the ear canal and the skin (dead skin parts) inside the ear. In this way, foreign substances and waste skin in the ear are carried outward with the ear secretion. Therefore, if the baby’s ear is cleaned with a cotton swab, dirt is sent into the ear. This causes the dirt that should be expelled to accumulate inside and clog the ear.

How to Clean Babies’ Ears?

A damp cloth can be used to clean babies’ ears. With a damp cloth, the auricle and behind the ears are cleaned with light movements. It is important to be careful when wiping the ears and not to spread the dirt. After cleaning one ear, move on to the other ear with a different cloth or by thoroughly cleaning the cloth used. When moistening the diaper, care should be taken not to keep it wet. Because water can get into the baby’s sensitive ear, which can cause ear inflammation.

Is Water Leaking into the Ear in the Bathroom Dangerous?

Bath water that gets into the baby’s ear while bathing does not cause ear infections.

When is Earwax Dangerous?

It can be difficult to know when earwax in babies is serious and when action should be taken. However, when the following symptoms are noted, it may be thought that there is a problem with the ear:

• When the baby’s hearing decreases, earwax may have blocked the external auditory canal. This is a serious situation.
• The procedure should be performed if the baby does not respond adequately to sounds, experiences pain or if your doctor sees enough earwax to block the canal.

In such cases of blockage, it is necessary to remove the dirt. If the dirt is very deep and hard, dirt softening drops are used first.

When Is Ear Discharge a Sign of Ear Inflammation?

• If the discharge from the outer ear is yellow or green,
• If the discharge is foul-smelling, inflamed or painful to the touch,
• Redness and swelling in the ear and ear canal,
• If the pain increases when you move or touch the outer ear or earlobe, you may have an ear infection. This is why a pediatrician should be consulted urgently.