Ceruminosis

Ceruminosis is an interesting word.  I like the way it rolls off my tongue.  I don't like the way it blocks my ears.  Ceruminosis is excessive wax blocking the ears.  In some children it comes out of their ears in chunks.  In others, it sets up in the ear canal like concrete.  Parents sometimes feel it is an arch enemy that must be battled relentlessly until it is completely banished.

That might be a bit harsh.

Ear wax, or cerumen, is present for a purpose.  It protects the inside of the ear canal from dryness, dust and other airborne particles.  It is important that some ear wax be present at all times.  Without wax our ears would itch all the time and even the tiniest dust particle would cause intense pain.

Small, young children seem to have more ear wax than older children.  I don't know if that is really true, or if it is just that their ear canals are smaller.  This would make the same amount of ear wax appear larger.  Either way, parents of small children notice ear wax coming out of their children's ears more so than parents of older children.  Please, resist the urge to remove this wax with paper clips, bobby pins or pen caps.  These objects may damage the inside of the ear canal, and can even cause permanent hearing loss.

Cotton swabs, such as Q-tips, can actually push wax further back into the ear canal.  Yes, a certain amount of wax will be visible on the head of the cotton swab.  However, a larger amount tends to be pushed down into the ear canal, creating a firm, large "rock" of wax.  These can be very difficult to remove.

So, what's a parent to do?  First of all, don't panic.  Remember that the wax is supposed to be present.  Don't try to remove it.  Don't consider it a problem, unless a healthcare provider comments that it is a large amount, or your child complains of pain or decreased hearing.  If these things occur, there are several over the counter drops designed to dissolve the wax.  These drops melt or dissolve the excess wax, allowing the hairs in the ear to move it out of the ear.  Usually, you don't even see the wax leave, as it is moved out in a very thin film.  This is a painless procedure, and does not require the ears to be rinsed afterward.

People who have very dry skin will also have dry ear wax.  Their ear wax is flaky.  These individuals can benefit from oil being placed in the ears on a regular basis, such as once a week.  Good choices are Sweet oil or Baby oil.  Some people like to warm the oil.  If you choose to do this, then I recommend you drip the oil into the ear directly off your fingertip, so that you can be certain it isn't too warm.  For small children with excessive amounts of wax, Sweet oil or Baby oil can be used nightly for a week (not warmed, for safety reasons).  Have your healthcare provider check the amount of wax in the ears at the beginning and the end of this week.  Sometimes, you will need to repeat for another week.

Of course before putting any oil, or anything else, in anyone's ears, it is best to have a healthcare provider check the ears to make sure there isn't some other problem, such as an infection.

Dr Nan N
House Call Pediatrician, Overland Park, KS

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