Pediatric Ear Wax Removal in Louisville, KY
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is a natural protectant that helps to keep the ear free of dust and other bothersome particles. Everyone has dealt with ear wax before, but for some, it can be particularly challenging to maintain the build-up of this waxy substance inside their ear canal.
Normally, any excess ear wax will migrate outward from the inner ear to the ear canal, where it can be swept away. If the extra ear wax is not able to exit the ear, it is likely to harden and begin to block the ear way. These types of blockages can lead to a variety of issues, such as partial hearing loss or even infection.
Schedule Professional Ear Wax Removal
What Are the Symptoms of an Ear wax Blockage?
The signs of excess ear wax are often very mild, such as:
- Difficulty in hearing as well as you used to
- Earache
- A plugged or full sensation in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or other noises from within the ear)
Ear wax buildup is typically not a cause for great concern so long as it is addressed early on. If these symptoms are ignored, there is potential for them to worsen to the point of a severe infection. You should contact your pediatrician at Kaplan Barron Pediatrics immediately if your child experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Drainage or discharge from the ear
- Fever
- Severe, persistent pain in the ear
- Sudden bouts of dizziness
- Worsening hearing loss
- A foul-smelling odor coming from the ear
How Can Kaplan Barron Pediatrics Treat Ear Wax Buildup?
It is entirely possible for individuals to manage excess ear wax on their own by following some of these basic instructions when they begin to notice symptoms of ear wax buildup:
- Soften the ear wax using over-the-counter ear drops
- Irrigate the ear using a specialized kit
- Regularly practice good hygiene skills to prevent ear wax from building up
It is imperative that you DO NOT try to insert anything into your child’s ear in order to pull out the extra ear wax. This is exactly the reason why so many patients experience issues with ear wax in the first place. Inserting any sort of foreign object into the ear should never be done unless by an ENT specialist.
Better Safe Than Sorry
If your child has never dealt with a buildup of ear wax before, you should see your pediatrician before trying any home treatments. Attempting a treatment without first being able to accurately diagnose the problem can result in all sorts of complications, which is why it is simply better for you and your child’s health if you get a professional opinion first.
On occasion, the excess ear wax may be so severe that over-the-counter medications will be useless in trying to alleviate the person’s symptoms. If this is the case, then your pediatrician will need to manually remove the ear wax using specialized tools and machinery.
Schedule Professional Ear Wax Removal for your Child
To speak with an expert about your ear wax concerns or questions, please schedule a consultation at Kaplan Barron Pediatrics today by calling (502) 452-6337!