The ear has a self-cleaning mechanism. Wax is protective for ear, catching particles that may land in the e
ar. Fine hairs inside the ear canal constantly move wax and sloughed skin scales out of the canal. Wax and skin canaccumulate in the ear canal. When the canal is filled wit wax, the eardrum can become
completely blocked, greatly reducing hearing and eventually
cause permanendamage. The most common cause of wax buildup is the use of cotton bud. Sometimes, when you use a cotton bud to clean your ear, you can push wax deeper into the ear canal and partially or completely block it. Do not try and remove ear wax with cotton swabs, hair pins, or other hard objects. You can damage your ear canal or eardrum.
Wax removal
The purpose of this natural wax is to protect the ear from damage and infections. Normally, a small amount of wax accumulates and then dries up and falls out of the ear canal, carrying with it unwanted dust or particles. Ear wax is helpful to coat the skin of the ear canal where it acts as a temporary water repellent. The absence of ear wax may result in dry, itchy ears, and even infection. When wax has accumulated so much that it blocks the ear canal. See an ENT doctor , he may remove by suctioning it, or remove it with special instruments. Or, he may prescribe ear drops that are designed to soften the wax like Sodaglycerine, or simple baby olive oil.
How to clean Baby’s ears
Never insert a cotton bud or anything else into your baby’s ear canal; you could easily puncture the eardrum. Earwax is nature’s protection for the ear canal, and there’s usually no reason to try to get it out of your baby’s ears. If you’re concerned about a buildup of earwax, ask an ENT doctor, about it. If there’s so much wax that the doctor can’t see the eardrum, doctor will remove it. Otherwise, it will come out on its own eventually, and sticking a cotton swab in there is likely to push it in farther. Instead, simply clean the outer part of your baby’s ears with a cotton swab moistened with oil or a washcloth moistened with warm water.
Things to remember while giving bath to babies–
Use boiled and clean water, only clean the out side ear, don’t use any cotton buds to clean the ear canal. Use a washcloth to wipe the outer part of your baby’s ears, but not inside. Check behind each ear, and wipe away any dirt or debris. Fungus infection is very common in new born, if special care is not taken while giving bath. If fungus in the ear, baby may be keep pulling the ear, irritable and may cry with pain. Only an ENT doctor can clean the tiny ear canal with special instruments using otoscope or microscope. Make sure the baby is properly immobilized in a towel.
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* Dr Chohan’s ENT, Rafay Mall (1st floor), Peshawar Road Rawalpindi. 03315680471 , 03145118532
- Timing:
- Professor Brig (r) Dr Arshad Chohan MCPS, FICS, FCPS 11 am – 6 pm daily except SundayProfessor Brig (r) Dr Amir Sabih Haidri, MCPS, FCPS 6.30 pm – 9 pm daily except Sunday & Monday
Website: www.entspecialists.pk