Ear Wax (aka Cerumen) is natural and plays an important role in the health of our ears, but sometimes it can build up and cause issues, including hearing loss.
Wax is produced in the outer ear canal and its role is to act as a protection from foreign bodies and germs entering the ear, and to trap dirt, dust and old skin cells and help them exit and prevent injury or irritation to it the ear.
Interestingly, the colour of ear wax varies from person to person. Most people don't have an issue with the build up of wax but it can occur and need assistance to have it removed by a audiological or medical professional. Parents should never try and remove ear wax from anyone's ear including their child's, and as you may have heard previously, the smallest thing you should insert into your ear is your elbow! Inserting anything into the ear can cause damage to the delicate ear structures, introduce pathogens, or make wax removal even more difficult.
So, how do you know if your child has a build up of ear wax? Book in for an audiologist to assess the situation or see your GP. Simple Otoscopy (using a light to visualise the outer ear structures) will determine if there is a problem with wax or any foreign bodies in the ear and then a plan can be made to address it. If in doubt, book in with Jolly Good Hearing!
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