What should I do if I accidentally pushed my baby's earwax deeper while cleaning their ears?

Dec 02, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

If you accidentally push an ear cleaning tool deeper into your baby's ear, and there are no discomfort symptoms, observe carefully—the object may come out on its own during chewing movements. If you notice sounds inside the ear or a distinct sensation of a foreign body, seek medical attention so that a doctor can safely remove it. When excessive earwax or other ear discomfort occurs, consult a healthcare professional for appropriate management based on individual circumstances.

When cleaning a baby's ears, if earwax is accidentally pushed deeper, monitor the situation closely. If there are no discomfort symptoms, the wax may naturally come out during chewing movements. However, if you notice sounds inside the ear or a distinct sensation of a foreign body, it is important to visit a hospital where a doctor can safely remove it.

In clinical terms, earwax is also known as cerumen—a淡黄色 secretion produced by the ceruminous glands in the ear canal. Cerumen helps prevent insects from entering the external auditory canal, and its acidic components create an acidic environment that reduces fungal and bacterial growth. A small amount of earwax contributes positively to ear health. Excess cerumen usually exits the body naturally through movements such as talking, chewing, coughing, or sneezing, so frequent ear cleaning is unnecessary.

Improper techniques or excessive force when cleaning ears can easily damage the eardrum and affect hearing. When there is excessive cerumen or other ear discomfort, it is essential to promptly visit the otorhinolaryngology department of a reputable hospital and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician based on individual circumstances.

View All

What are the precautions for cleaning ears?

Precautions for ear cleaning include using proper tools, avoiding excessive ear picking, applying gentle force, and not inserting objects too deeply. In addition, one should avoid cleaning wet ears and ensure that tools are properly disinfected. If symptoms such as ear pain or earwax blockage occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Using sharp objects such as wooden sticks or toothpicks to clean the ears may damage the skin of the ear canal or the eardrum.

View Full Answer

Can cleaning the ears cause otitis media?

Generally, cleaning the ears regularly will not cause otitis media if done properly—with appropriate technique, gentle pressure, and in dry ear canals. However, excessive force, damage to the ear canal, or using unclean tools may increase the risk of developing otitis media. When cleaning the ears, avoid applying too much force to prevent injury to the ear canal's mucous membrane. If otitis media occurs, prompt medical attention and proper treatment are necessary.

View Full Answer

Does bleeding after cleaning the ears mean the eardrum is ruptured?

The skin of the external auditory canal is relatively thin. Excessive force during ear cleaning or external impact can easily perforate the eardrum, causing bleeding. Because the external auditory canal is deep and narrow, with blood vessels and nerves attached to its walls, improper manipulation during ear cleaning may injure the skin of the canal wall, leading to bleeding as well.

View Full Answer

What should I do if my ears often feel itchy and I feel the need to clean them frequently?

The symptom of frequently cleaning the ears due to itching when not doing so may be caused by physiological or pathological factors. Patients should identify the exact cause and then adopt appropriate measures for improvement or treatment. Common causes include external ear eczema, otitis media, etc. Affected individuals usually do not require specific medical treatment and can redirect their attention through increased participation in group activities, outdoor physical exercise, and active communication.