Toddler’s ears are a sensitive part of their body. The challenge comes in when they cannot be still when you need to clean their ears. Most of the time, the ears seem like any part of the body when cleaning and given minimum attention.
Unlike the teeth and nails that need constant care, the ears need to be washed regularly with soap and water. You only need to do that when cleaning the rest of the body. Continue reading to understand the different ways to take care of your children’s ears.
Gently Take a Peek
It may seem simple, but it is a necessity. It is your responsibility to check on the ears regularly to see if they have anything lodged in there. This is the first step to know about the ears, and you need to check to know. When playing, chances are they might get a small toy in their ears; if not checked, it can bring about problems. In case you get anything in the ear canal, it is advisable to see a doctor.
Regular Cleaning
Always use a soft washcloth to clean the exterior part of the ear. It helps in preventing any accumulation of wax buildup. Do not try to insert cotton swabs inside since they can damage the eardrums.
Gentle Removal of the Wax
Having wax in the ear is a good thing, but too much of it can block the eardrum and affect hearing. When you clean the kids’ ears, it does not mean removing all the wax. The best way to avoid wax buildup is by using ear drops each week. When there is too much buildup, consult a doctor to remove the wax.
Look for Infections
The best way to identify infections is by visiting a pediatrician. With an expert, it will be possible to know the magnitude of the problem and the right referral doctor. The doctor will know between an audiologist vs hearing instrument specialist who is the best for your kid if there is any severe infection or hearing loss problem.
When your kid complains of any pain in the ears, it is advisable to look for any infection signs. In case the child is not verbal yet, look for signs like tugging of the ear, fluid drainage, or fever. Since the infection does not have the same symptoms in all children, book an appointment with a doctor to rule that out.
Taking Care of Pierced Ears
Pierced ears are pretty, and it is imperative to take good care of them. After piercing the ears, leave the earrings until after complete healing. In case you do not do that, the holes will close up. It is also another way to avoid any infections to fresh wounds. Always wash your hands before touching the ears and apply alcohol to keep germs away. Use a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to clean your child’s ears when the earring is still on. Twirl the earing so that the alcohol spread all over the place. When you notice the earlobe is red, painful, warm, and swollen, it could be an infection; get help immediately.
Tips for Swimmers
In case your child loves swimming, be keen on the swimmer’s ear. It happens when the outer ear is infected, leading to pain and swelling. When water is in the ear canal, it irritates the skin for bacteria to invade and cause an infection. When you notice such a problem, seek medical help. In case your child is swimming in a hot afternoon summer, rub sunscreen on the ears to avoid future problems. In the winter season, cover up with a headband or hat to avoid the freezing situation that can lead to frostbite.
Facts about Earwax
Most people wonder what earwax is and if it is beneficial. It has its purpose in the ear canal to protect the ears. After production, it will get into the ear’s opening, and then it falls out and can be removed when cleaning the ears. It’s advisable not to poke the ear or use a cotton swab since you will hurt it.
When the wax is pushed deeper into the ear, it will irritate the ear canal; hence the child can get an infection. It is clear that putting sharp items in the ear is a grave mistake; it can bring about severe damage or bleeding. In case you want to clear any dirt in the ear, ensure the parent books an appointment, and a professional will handle the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Cleaning your kids’ ears is vital. You need to be careful when cleaning and ensure they practice proper hygiene. Start by having a simple cleaning regime.