Ear Wax Build up

While you may think it's gross, earwax (also known as cerumen) is actually quite important in keeping the ear clean and healthy. The ceruminous glands in the ears secrete it as a way of trapping dirt, dust, and other particles that could damage the eardrum were they to travel inside the ear. Normally, wax builds up, then dries out and moves to the outer ear, where it washes away. In the process, it traps foreign debris and brings it along for the ride. Sometimes earwax accumulates faster than the body can expel it, though, and that's when earwax buildup can become a problem.

Can earwax buildup interfere with my toddler's hearing?Absolutely. When a child's ear canal is plugged with wax, his hearing becomes muffled. (Fluid trapped in the middle ear can also cause hearing loss during or after an ear infection.) It can also cause an earache.

How can I tell whether my toddler's ear troubles are from earwax buildup or an ear infection?Sometimes it's hard to tell, since a child with earwax buildup may rub or tug at his ears, or dig in his ears with his fingers, just as if he had an ear infection. However, earwax buildup does not cause the fever and sleep troubles associated with ear infections. If there's a large amount of wax, you may be able to see it just by looking into your toddler's ears. There may also be some yellow or brownish drainage. (Drainage from an ear infection, on the other hand, could be clear, milky-like pus, or bloody.) If you're at all concerned, make an appointment with your child's doctor so she can take a closer look at things.