How to remove wax plugs in children. Baby has a traffic jam. Types of sulfur plugs

Ear plugs are an accumulation of wax in the ear canal, caused by increased activity of the sulfur glands. As a result, the child's hearing may be significantly impaired. Although wax plugs may seem like a minor problem, they need to be addressed medical treatment. But the initiative of parents in this case is unacceptable. How to get rid of sulfur plugs in a child and prevent their re-formation? We have prepared useful recommendations for you.

Why do ear plugs appear?

On the surface of the ear canal there are a considerable number of glands that produce a viscous secretion called sulfur. Normally, particles of sulfur leave the ears of children on their own when chewing, swallowing, talking, taking with them harmful microorganisms and dirt. However, in some cases, sulfur masses accumulate in the ear canal, forming quite dense and voluminous plugs. The reasons for this phenomenon are:

• hyperfunction of the ear glands that produce a large number of secret;
• structural features of the ear canal that prevent the release of wax;
• water getting into the ears;
• inflammatory processes in the middle ear;
• improper ear hygiene.

I would like to dwell on the last point in more detail. It is the mistakes of parents or children themselves when cleaning their ears that are often the main reason for the appearance of plugs. Too active and frequent hygiene of the ear canal is unnecessary and even harmful. Do not try to clean it with cotton swabs or sharp objects. inner part ear. With such actions you only push the sulfur deeper and compact it into a tight plug.

Symptoms

If the plug only partially covers ear canal, then the child may not notice it at all for a long time. But subsequent accumulation of sulfur or soaking of the cork with water, resulting in its swelling, provokes the development of symptoms.

An older child may complain of hearing loss. But babies usually do not react to such changes; parents should notice them. If your baby does not respond when you call him, or often asks again, it is better to visit an ENT specialist.

Children also often complain of ear pain, a feeling of fullness, noise, or an abnormal sound in their own voice. When the plugs are deeply located, they have a chance to manifest symptoms such as headache, nausea, cough, dizziness. Babies can constantly tug at a sore ear, while being capricious and crying.

Diagnostics

What to do if you find the above symptoms in your child? Go to the doctor immediately. Study self-diagnosis and treatment is very dangerous. Only a specialist can distinguish earwax from otitis media, hearing loss and other ear diseases.

An otolaryngologist at the nearest clinic can make a diagnosis. There is usually no need to undergo any complex examination. Earwax can be easily seen during a routine examination called an otoscopy.

The plug appears as a yellow, brown, or even black mass that blocks the ear canal. The doctor can use a special instrument to take a piece of this formation to determine its consistency.

What to do with wax plug

First, let's say what not to do. It is strictly forbidden to try to remove the plug from the ear yourself. Typically, such self-medication leads to the fact that the wax is only pushed deeper into the ear canal. Also, inept manipulation can cause damage. eardrum.

Health care

Otolaryngologists treat wax plugs. If the mass is loose and soft enough, the doctor washes it out with warm saline using a large syringe with a blunt tip. Also for these purposes, a solution of potassium permanganate (potassium permanganate) or other antiseptics can be used.

To make the ear canal straight and enhance the effectiveness of the procedure, you should pull the auricle up and back. In this case, the water jet is directed along back wall ear canal. Usually, after several repetitions, the plug leaves the ear with ease.

If the cork is too hard and dry, it must first be soaked. In this case, a glycerin solution is used. Then the sulfur is also removed by washing. They have good efficiency pharmaceutical drugs(for example, A-cerumen), which dissolve sulfur. The medicine must be dripped into the ear and wait a while. Next, you should tilt your head towards the sore ear so that the wax mass comes out. Using a napkin or cotton swab, gently clean the auricle and the outer part of the ear canal.

Alternative method for removing the plug

If the child has chronic diseases ear, then rinsing may be contraindicated. In this case, the doctor removes the plug using tweezers or a hook. This is a dangerous procedure, so you cannot do it yourself.

Prevention of wax plugs

It is worth remembering that ear plugs can form again after removal. The following will help prevent this process:

• Maintaining proper hygiene for children's ears. Wax should be removed only on the surface of the auricle and in the outer part of the ear canal using a cotton swab. The procedure can be repeated no more than once a week.
• Visit an otolaryngologist twice a year. If your baby has a tendency to form wax plugs, then preventive examinations by a doctor are mandatory for him. During your visit to the doctor, your ears will be cleaned if necessary.
• Prohibition on listening to loud music and using headphones that are inserted into the ears.
• Wearing a special cap when swimming in the pool.

Preventive measures and timely treatment will help to avoid severe consequences in the form of hearing loss. Here are the experiments with traditional methods And grandma's recipes can only make the situation worse. Take care of your children's ears.

Almost every mother is familiar with the appearance of plugs in the ears of babies. Whenever this state child, the mother has a wide variety of questions about how to cope with such a pathology. This article will tell parents what they should do if a wax plug appears in their child's ear.

Why do wax plugs appear?

They can form in the ear at any age. Adverse symptoms occur in both infants and adolescents. The approach to therapy at each age of children is usually different.

The formation of wax in the ear canal is natural. physiological process . It appears in small quantities all the time. A variety of factors can lead to excessive accumulation of wax in the ear canal. In childhood, as a rule, this is facilitated by violation of the rules of personal hygiene processes.

A small amount of cerumen in the ear canal is necessary. It helps protect the environment inner ear from the ingress of various foreign objects, as well as the penetration of pathogenic microbes. Also, the sulfur layer helps protect the cavity of the middle ear from dust getting there.

The composition of such a sulfur mass contains a number of biologically active substances, which have a pronounced destructive effect on various microorganisms. These substances are represented by organic acids. Specific smell This mass is given by the sulfur included in its composition.

Scientists have found that the chemical composition of this sulfur layer differs significantly in children of different sexes. This physiological feature due largely different structure special sebaceous glands, producing the formation of wax in the ear canal.

The boys in chemical composition Such compartments contain much less various organic acids than those of girls.

Normally, excess wax comes out of the ears. This usually happens when the child is eating or talking. This is facilitated by special vibration movements. lower jaw. This feature is provided by nature to maintain optimal hearing for many years.

Experts identify several provoking causes that contribute to excessive accumulation of wax in the ear canal. These include:

Abuse of hygiene procedures. It has long been noted that frequent wax plugs appear in children, whose parents often clean their ears using various cotton swabs or other devices. Carrying out such procedures can be very dangerous. Improperly cleaning the ear canal using a cotton swab can not only lead to the formation of large amounts of wax, but also cause damage to the structure of the inner ear.

Water ingress. Quite often this situation occurs in children after visiting the pool. Water entering the ear canal leads to the development of an imbalance in the formation of sulfur mass. This will ultimately contribute to the child developing ear plugs.

Improper washing. Not only a visit to the pool can cause a child to develop unfavorable symptoms of increased ear wax. Often, banal hair washing, done incorrectly, contributes to the appearance of plugs in the ear canals. This is usually caused by constantly getting large amounts of shampoo and water into the ears.

Dry air. A constant decrease in the level of humidity in rooms where children are quite long time, can lead to frequent formation of wax plugs in their ears. To maintain the physiological balance of sulfur formation, it is very important that the air humidity in the children's room does not fall below 55%. This situation quite often develops in a child aged 2-3 years.

Diseases of the ears and various abnormalities of the development of the hearing system. The first adverse symptoms in this case develop in babies under the age of one year. Too narrow an ear canal, a large number of sebaceous glands and other anatomical features become provoking reasons for a child’s increased tendency to form frequent wax plugs.

Family predisposition. Pediatric otolaryngologists have long noticed that children from families where one of their close relatives has a tendency to frequently develop plugs in their ears often have the same problem.

Increased love for music. In this case, the problem with the formation of wax plugs occurs when the child listens to songs through headphones. This is usually abused by teenagers. In this case, the appearance of sulfur plugs is caused by frequent mechanical stress caused by listening to music for a long time.

Symptoms

It should be noted that it takes quite a long time for wax plugs to form in a child’s ears. Parents can suspect that the baby has such formations in the ear canals on their own. To do this, they should carefully observe their baby in familiar everyday situations.

The first adverse symptoms appear, as a rule, already with pronounced mechanical narrowing of the ear canal. In this case, the child begins to feel slight discomfort in the affected ear, which only progresses over time.

The most difficult diagnosis is in children themselves. early age. They cannot yet complain to their parents about what is bothering them.

To identify ear plugs in a child under 4 years of age, parents should pay attention to his behavior. In this case, the child begins more often rub or touch the damaged ear. When the process is severe, the baby may shake his head, tilting it to the side where the cerumen plug has formed.

In many children, adverse symptoms increase significantly after various water procedures. The entry of water into the ear canal leads to a significant swelling of the cerumen mass, which is manifested by an increase in specific clinical signs. Most characteristic symptom - sound effects or hearing loss, which appears in a child after visiting a pool, bathhouse, or just swimming in a bath.

With the development pathological process the baby appears feeling of strong distension in the ear, where is the sulfur plug located? If the process is two-sided, then in this case the child’s hearing may even be greatly reduced. Some babies develop a severe headache, which only increases over time, and also develop dizziness.

Quite often, sulfur plugs look like light yellow or white stripes. They can have a very different consistency - from pasty to very hard. IN advanced stages sulfur plugs acquire dark brown color. The intensity of the odor of such ear discharge also changes significantly.

Is it possible to remove a cork at home?

Parents are interested in the question of whether it is possible to remove wax plugs on their own. Doctors do not recommend that fathers and mothers eliminate such formations from small child at home. It is especially dangerous to do this for children who have any chronic diseases of the ENT organs or congenital anomalies development of the hearing aid.

If parents notice that their baby has any symptoms associated with hearing loss, first of all they should definitely show the child to a doctor. A pediatric otolaryngologist can remove wax plugs from the affected ear.

Before carrying out the procedure to remove them from the ear canal, the doctor will also be sure to examine all ENT organs and identify the possible presence of concomitant diseases in the baby.

You can remove the plugs using various medical instruments. There is no need to be afraid of this. If the procedure is performed by an experienced and qualified specialist, then parents don’t need to worry. Risk of causing any traumatic injuries in this case it practically tends to zero.

After the procedure for removing wax plugs from the ears, the doctor will make specific individual recommendations for the baby. They usually include the prescription of various medications. These products help the baby to prevent excess education in the future. sulfur formations in the ears.

Drug treatment

Today, pharmacies sell a huge number of a wide variety of drugs for eliminating earwax layers. Parents should remember that not all of them can be used in children. Some of these drugs have complex complex composition. It contains various extracts medicinal plants. Children should use such drugs with extreme caution, as they can lead to the development of a severe allergic reaction and significantly aggravate the course of the disease.

You can clean your ear canals with various solutions. They are usually used by pediatric otolaryngologists. This use will be effective when the sulfur mass has a rather loose and soft consistency.

In some situations, it will not be possible to remove hard wax plugs with rinsing alone. This will also require special otolaryngological instruments.

Rinsing is a fairly commonly used method for removing wax plugs from the ears. For this, doctors usually use a solution of furatsilin in low concentration. In some cases, you can also rinse the ear canals with ordinary boiled water. Wash the ears on one or both sides. This is determined by the otolaryngologist during a clinical examination of the baby.

In some cases, the procedure may be required several times. This treatment is carried out mainly in cases where the baby has too hard wax plugs. The solution is injected with a special instrument, which appearance resembles a syringe. The volume of fluid administered depends on the age of the child and his initial condition.

It is important to note that ears can be washed in cases where when the baby does not have any exacerbations of various diseases of the ENT organs. The presence of perforation of the eardrum is also a significant contraindication for performing this procedure. It is for this reason that doctors recommend that mothers not rinse themselves at home.

In some cases, doctors resort to prescribing special medications ear drops. These products have a softening effect on dense sulfur plugs. To remove such formations from the ear canals, it sometimes takes quite long-term use these funds. Such drugs include "Remo-Vax" and "A-Cerumen". These ear drops are prescribed only by a pediatric otolaryngologist for severe allergic reactions.

It is preferable to use ear candles in children who do not have allergies at an older age. Such medications contain a large number of different natural ingredients, as well as antibacterial substances.

This use not only allows you to get rid of wax plugs, but also has a preventive and therapeutic effect on the ear canals. Ear candles can also be used to treat various diseases of the ENT organs.

Some of these drugs have quite pronounced analgesic effect and can be used in cases where a child has an inflamed ear. The eucalyptus or fir extract included in the candle helps to normalize well-being and also cope with increased sulfur formation.

Before inserting the ear candle, lubricate the baby's ear skin well with baby cream. Place the baby on the opposite side. The damaged ear should be on top. Then place a regular napkin on the ear area, in the middle of which there should be a hole for inserting a candle.

Massage your ear with gentle movements. Carefully and shallowly insert the candle into the ear canal. Don't make sudden movements. There is also no need to press hard when inserting a candle into the ear. Remove the napkin and light the top end of the candle. Then wait a few minutes.

Monitor your baby's condition carefully. If something bothers the child greatly, or his face turns very red or white, then the procedure should be stopped.

After completing such cleansing, carefully remove the remains of the candle and softened wax from the ear canal. Try to perform this procedure as carefully and accurately as possible so as not to cause traumatic damage. In some cases, several sequential procedures may be required to achieve the effect.

Before such home treatment Parents should definitely consult a pediatric otolaryngologist.

To learn how to properly care for children's ears, watch the following video.

Ear wax in children is a problem that many parents face. Let's consider the main causes of pathology, methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Earwax is a secretion that forms in the ears. She protects inner ear from dust, bacteria and dirt. Normally, various contaminants settle on the sulfur, which thickens, dries and is removed from the auricle. Earwax is formed due to increased activity of the sebaceous glands and improper ear care. Using cotton swabs is another cause of traffic jams. They push wax into the ear canal and can trigger an inflammatory process.

In most cases, parents are afraid of damaging the ears of a small child and, because of this, treat them incorrectly. The external auditory canal contains about 2,000 sebaceous glands, which after birth intensively produce sulfur. The auricle and ear canal self-clean during chewing and therefore do not require special effort care It is enough to wipe the ear area with a cotton swab or towel. But if a child complains of pain in the ear, then you need to urgently contact a pediatrician and otolaryngologist.

ICD-10 code

H61.2 Sulfur plug

Causes of wax plugs in children

Earwax performs protective and cleansing functions, supports normal level humidity and prevents the development of fungal and bacterial infections. The causes of wax plugs in children are most often associated with increased secretion of the sebaceous glands and improper ear care. It is a blockage of secretions in the ear canal.

Let's consider the main causes of pathology:

• Increased sulfur release
• Improper or insufficient ear care
• Frequent wax removal
• Using cotton swabs (they push secretions inside the ear, causing a plug to appear)
• Dry indoor air causes wax to thicken
• Anatomical features structure of the auditory canal (narrowness, tortuosity)
• Water getting into the ear while swimming (wax swells and closes the ear canal)
• Foreign objects in the ear
• Various diseases: otitis media, eczema, dermatitis, high cholesterol
• Wearing a hearing aid and frequent use headphones

In children, the cork is dense or pasty, but over time it hardens. If it is not removed during the procedure, it will increase in diameter and completely close the ear canal. Because of this, the child develops a feeling of noise and congestion in the ear, decreased hearing, and possible headaches, nausea, cough, and dizziness.

Pathogenesis

The mechanism of the appearance of cerumen plug in a child is associated with the work of the sebaceous glands located in the membranous-cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal. Sulfur, that is, the secreted oily liquid, covers the skin of the organ with a thin layer, protecting it from exposure external stimuli. Pathogenesis depends on the cause of the blockage. Incorrect and frequent removal of excess sulfur leads to the appearance of traffic jams. In most cases, the secretion comes out on its own, during chewing or talking. If its consistency is thicker than normal or the secretion process is disrupted, then cerumen is formed.

Depending on the consistency of the secretion, there are the following types of sulfur plugs:

• Pasty - dark yellow or light in color with a soft consistency.
• Plasticine-like - dense, brown in color.
• Dry – dark brown or black, hard consistency.

Initially, the sulfur plug is soft and loose, but gradually becomes dense and hardens. Along with this pathology, an epidermoid clot can form from desquamated scales of the stratum corneum of the skin. It has a light gray color, stony density and is adjacent to the walls of the ear canal, filling its outer part or its entirety.

Symptoms of wax plugs in children

The hearing organ consists of the outer and inner ear. The first has two sections: cartilaginous (located at the outlet) and bone (located in the depths, near the inner ear). Sulfur is produced in the cartilage region, but the epithelium of this area is very mobile. Because of this, the secretion is released when chewing or talking, cleaning the outer ear. But due to a violation of the cleaning process, symptoms of sulfur plug appear. In a child they manifest themselves as follows:

• Hearing loss
• Headaches and dizziness
• Nausea
• Paroxysmal cough
• Noise and ringing in the ears

The baby constantly repeats what was said and does not respond to the call. This may cause a feeling of stuffiness in the ears and even nose. Symptoms of the disorder acutely manifest themselves after bathing, when water entering the ear provokes an increase in cerumen clot, which completely closes the ear canal.

During a visual examination, it is not always possible to see the true cause of the child’s condition. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully monitor his behavior. At the first symptoms, you should consult an otolaryngologist. The faster the plug is removed, the lower the risk of developing complications. This is due to the fact that the inner ear contains the vestibular apparatus, which is responsible for the functionality of the body.

First signs

If a child begins to complain of poor hearing or pain in the ear, these may be the first signs of cerumen impaction. The disorder occurs due to improper care of the hearing organ and frequent bathing, which provokes swelling of the sulfur clot.

Signs of pathology:

• Hearing loss
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness

These symptoms occur with otitis media, but they can also indicate cerumen impaction. Its presence provokes a violation vestibular apparatus baby. When the first signs of discomfort appear, you should contact an otolaryngologist, who will prescribe medications to treat the blockage.

Complications and consequences

Prolonged ear congestion and attempts to cope with this problem on your own can cause serious consequences. Lack of medical care is as dangerous as self-medication. An incorrectly carried out procedure for cleaning the ear canal from accumulated secretions can cause the following consequences:

• Eardrum injuries.
• Inflammation of the outer ear.
• Damage to the epidermis.
• Infection of the middle ear (occurs when there is a perforation of the eardrum).
• Allergic reactions on the medications used (when used without medical prescription).

The above-described disorders are in most cases accompanied by fever and chills in the child, headaches, and paroxysmal cough. Also possible allergic rashes on the skin, urticaria. Only professional medical care and timely diagnosis of the problem will avoid unpleasant consequences.

Complications

If the wax plug is not removed in a timely manner from a child, hearing problems may begin, which will cause the following complications:

• Hearing impairment.
• Chronic rhinitis/otitis media.
• Bedsores of the ear canal (they take a long time to heal and cause severe pain).
• Inflammatory and infectious processes.

Every parent should know that removing a clot of ear secretion guarantees that the child will not have hearing problems or vestibular disorders. Therefore, at the first signs of pathology, it is necessary to contact a pediatrician and otolaryngologist.

Diagnosis of wax plug in children

Constant pain in the ears and complaints of hearing problems may be associated with increased secretion of wax and the resulting blockage, and therefore require medical attention. Diagnosis of cerumen impaction in a child begins with an examination by an otolaryngologist.

Diagnostics consists of:

• Collection of anamnesis and analysis of patient complaints. The doctor determines the presence of noise in the ear, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and the degree of hearing loss. How often is the ear cleansed, and are ear sticks used for this?
• Otoscopy – examination of the external auditory canal and eardrum. Based on the results of the study, sulfur plugs can be identified. In most cases, the clot blocks the passage. Its color ranges from light to dark brown and its consistency can be dense or soft.

During the examination, a button probe is used. The doctor’s task is not only to identify the problem, but also to establish its causes. This will allow you to choose the right treatment method and remove the blockage without any complications.

Differential diagnosis

In the process of examining a child for the presence of wax in the ear, the doctor’s task is to recognize diseases with similar symptoms. Differential diagnosis begins with collecting anamnesis, analyzing the general condition of the patient, and examining the auricle. Blockage of ear secretions is differentiated from the following pathologies:

• Sensorineural hearing loss (occurs due to inflammation of the middle ear).
• Otomycosis.
• Cholesteatoma.
• Otitis (external, internal).
• Mastoiditis ( acute inflammation mastoid process of the temporal bone).
• Meniere's disease.
• Neuritis of the vestibulocochlear nerve.
• Fungal diseases.
• Foreign body in the ear canal.

Examination during otoscopy reveals a clot of ear secretion. Its color ranges from light brown to black. In particularly advanced cases, it can cause bedsores. To determine the consistency of the cork, the contents are collected using a button probe. After differential diagnosis, the child is prescribed a course of treatment and recommendations for the prevention of pathology.

Treatment of wax plugs in children

If the baby complains of pain in the ear and problems with hearing, then these complaints may be due to the fact that the ear canal is closed with thickened sulfur secretion. In this situation, many parents begin to think about how to remove cerumen plug from a child. But it is necessary to take into account the fact that any procedures must be carried out in consultation with the attending physician. Besides, different types plugs require different approaches to removal.

• Soft clots are removed by washing with warm solutions or electro-aspirate.
• If the plug is hard, rinsing is contraindicated, as it can cause it to swell, which will lead to complete blockage of the ear canal. Treatment is carried out by an ENT specialist using special instruments in the treatment room.

That is, delete ear plug It’s not so simple, and if you do it yourself, you can damage the ear canal and cause many problems. Treatment should only be carried out by a qualified doctor.

But if it happens that waiting to see a doctor is problematic, then the wax removal procedure is carried out independently. This requires special medicine for washing the external auditory canal. For children, the drug A-Cerumen is used, which can be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription. So, to rinse the right ear, the baby needs to be laid on his left side and dripped sore ear. The child should lie in this position for 1-2 minutes. After this, you need to turn it over and allow the solution to flow out along with the sulfur plug. They do the same for the left ear.

When removing wax plugs at home, the following is strictly contraindicated:

• Try to pull out the clot with an ear stick.
• Picking in the ear with tweezers, a needle, knitting needles and other objects that can damage the organ.
• Use funds traditional medicine without prior consultation with an otolaryngologist.

The above actions can lead to wax plugging into the inside of the ear, significantly worsening the situation.

Drops for removing wax in children

Many parents are faced with the problem of earwax blockage. Various methods are used for treatment (washing, electroaspiration, mechanical removal). Deserves special attention drug therapy. Drops for removing wax in children allow you to get rid of the blockage without the risk of damaging the epidermis or eardrum. In addition, they can be used to prevent its occurrence.

Popular and effective drops to remove sulfur clot:

1. A-cerumen

Medicine local application with active ingredients that cleanse the ear canal from earwax and preventing the formation of traffic jams. The solution is released in dropper bottles of 2 ml. 100 g of the drug contains: 20 g of TEA-cocoylhydrolyzed collagen, 1.5 g of PEG 120-methylglucose dioleate and additional components.

• Indications for use: removal and prevention of wax plugs, ear hygiene in patients with hearing aids. Suitable for patients who frequently use devices attached to the external auditory canal (headphones, telephone headsets) that cause increased wax production. Very often prescribed for people involved in water sports and working in dusty areas.
• Directions for use: the solution is instilled into the external auditory canal, pre-heated to body temperature. After use, close the ear with cotton wool for 1-2 minutes, and then allow the liquid to flow out and clean the ear canal. If the sulfur does not come out in one go, then the procedure is repeated within 3-4 days.
• Side effects possible in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug. IN in rare cases hyperemia, itching and rash develop at the site of application. Contraindicated for use in the treatment of patients with perforation of the eardrum, chronic infectious and inflammatory lesions. Overdose manifests itself as adverse reactions, goes away after discontinuation of the drug.

1. Remo-Wax

Hygienic product for soft and effective cleansing ear canal from various contaminants, softening and removing wax plugs, preventing their formation. Available in the form of a solution in 10 ml bottles. It contains substances that accelerate the separation of dead cells: allantoin, benzethonium chloride, phenylethanol, butylated hydroxytoulene and other components. Penetrants penetrate into the thickness of the sulfur clot, softening and washing it out. The medication does not contain aggressive components or antibiotics, therefore it is approved for use at any age.

• Indications for use: removal of wax plugs, hygiene of the ear canal, prevention of wax and epidermal clots.
• Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, inflammation or pain in the ears, perforation of the eardrum, shunt in the eardrum and 6-12 months after its removal, purulent and others pathological discharge from the auditory canal.
• Directions for use: Before introducing the solution into the ear, the bottle must be warmed to body temperature. For ease of use of the solution, you need to lie on your side, which is opposite to the sore ear. To straighten the ear canal, pull the earlobe down and back. Place 10-20 drops so that the level of the solution reaches the transition to the auricle. Cover your ear with cotton wool and lie in this position for 20-40 minutes. Gently turn over, allow the solution to drain, and clean the ear canal. It is not recommended to drop drops into the center of the ear, as this may cause an air lock to form.

1. Klin-Irs

An effective product for removing earwax. Active ingredients: vegetable paraffin and essential mint. It has an oily structure and a pleasant aroma. Suitable for treating patients of any age. Available as a spray and drops in 15 ml and 30 ml. For complete cleansing ear and removing hardened secretions, carry out 3-5 procedures over the course of a week.

1. Otipax

Combined product in the form of ear drops. It has a disinfecting, local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory effect. Available in a 16 g bottle with a soft pipette. Active components: phenazone 4 g and lidocaine hydrochloride 1 g.

• Indications for use: inflammation of the middle ear, otitis, cerumen and other contaminants. Contraindicated for use in cases of damage to the eardrum and individual intolerance to the components of the product.
• Directions for use: the solution is instilled 4 drops 2-3 times a day. To remove the plug, 2-3 procedures with ear cleansing are necessary warm water after. In case of overdose, reactions occur hypersensitivity, which disappear after discontinuation of the drug.

1. Aqua Maris Oto

100% isotonic sea water solution, without preservatives. Prescribed for the prevention of the formation of sulfur clots and hygiene of the ear canal in adults and children. The product is instilled into the ears 1-2 times a day or 2-3 times a week, depending on the doctor’s orders and the results of the first procedure. Contraindicated for use in the presence of inflammation and pain, perforation of the eardrum.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

To eliminate otolaryngological diseases, many various methods, But Special attention deserves physiotherapeutic treatment. It is based on the use of natural and hardware techniques that accelerate the healing process, that is, on the body’s reflex response to a stimulus. When drawing up a physical therapy plan for cerumen impaction in a child, the following factors are taken into account: the stage of the pathology and its features, the patient’s age, the general condition of the body and the medical history.

• Most often, patients are washed with warm water or antiseptic solutions. This allows you to soften the clot of ear secretion. Before the procedure, drops are placed in the sore ear warm solution soda for 10-15 minutes. Rinsing is carried out using a Janet syringe or a regular 20 ml. A stream of liquid is directed along the back wall of the ear canal, pulling the auricle upward and backward. The liquid is injected in a jerky manner under slight pressure. This allows you to remove the blockage in 2-3 treatments. After all manipulations, the ear canal is dried with cotton wool and carefully examined.
• Another physical therapy option is ear candles. This effective remedy for the treatment of various ENT diseases. They are made from natural ingredients using special technology. Phytosuppositories relieve pain and have antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. Therapeutic effect occurs due to vacuum therapy during the burning of a candle. This allows you to soften and remove the sulfur clot, facilitates hearing, improves nasal breathing and local blood microcirculation. They are used under the supervision of a physician.

The main goal of physiotherapy when diagnosed with wax plug is to relieve the syndrome and stabilize the pathological process.

Traditional treatment

The problem of ear congestion has been known for a long time, so there are many different effective methods for eliminating it. Traditional treatment belongs to the category of unconventional methods that can be used only after the doctor’s permission.

Let's look at popular folk recipes for the treatment of wax plugs in children:

• Place 5-7 drops of almond oil in your ear and cover with a cotton swab. It is better to do the procedure before going to bed, and in the morning clean the ear canal with clean water.
• Take an onion, cut off the top, make a small depression and fill it with dill seeds. The vegetable should be wrapped in foil and baked in the oven until brown juice appears. While the juice is still warm, drop 3-4 drops into the ear, covering it with cotton wool. After 6-8 hours, the sulfur clot becomes soft and flows out.
• Place the child on his side and apply 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to the sore ear. You need to lie in this position for 2-5 minutes, then turn over and clean the ear canal of wax and medication residues. For complete removal blockages, the procedure should be carried out 2-3 times a day for 3-5 days. To speed up the whole process, after rinsing, you can put a warm heating pad under your ear and massage the auricle.
• An analogue of modern phytocandles is a burning wax funnel. Take a piece of fabric and soak it in wax; as soon as it begins to harden, roll the fabric into a tube. One end of the funnel is inserted into the ear, and the other is set on fire. It is very important to follow safety precautions: cover the child’s head with a thick cloth and make sure that the wax does not get into the ear. During the combustion process, sulfur is drawn into a tube. For complete cleansing, 1-3 procedures are performed.

Herbal treatment

Another non-traditional option for eliminating wax clots in children’s ears is herbal treatment. The combination of various herbal components will stop the inflammatory process, soften the accumulated secretions and remove them. Let's look at a few herbal recipes:

• Pour 5-10 green poppy heads with 100 ml of milk and boil for 30 minutes. As soon as the product has cooled, you need to strain it and drop 5-7 drops into your ear. A couple of such procedures will help pull out the plug and relieve inflammation, if any.
• Pour 20 g of chopped camel thorn into 250 ml of water and boil over low heat for 5 minutes. The decoction should steep for 30-40 minutes, after which it should be strained. According to the prescription, the medicine is taken orally, ½ glass 2-3 times a day.
• Take equal proportions of oak bark, cinquefoil rhizomes, calamus, and thyme. Mix all the ingredients, wrap it in a piece of cloth or a handkerchief and put it in boiling water for 3-4 minutes. This herbal remedy used as a poultice 3-4 times a day to improve hearing and soften ear secretions.
• Fresh basil leaves or walnut grind into a paste and squeeze through cheesecloth. The resulting juice should be dripped into the sore ear. Therapy is carried out 2-3 times a day. The medicine helps not only with sulfur plugs, but also with severe inflammation, otitis.

Homeopathy

An alternative trend in medicine is homeopathy, which is aimed at eliminating pathology with the help of drugs that cause symptoms of the patient’s underlying disease. Apply homeopathic medicines It is possible only with medical prescription. The homeopath selects the remedy, its dosage and duration of use.

Let's look at medications that can be used for children:

• Aconite capulata - used on early stages ear diseases, relieves pain, providing normal sleep. Eliminates symptoms of spasmodic cough, nasal congestion and severe thirst.
• Belladonna - helps with severe pain in the ears, stops inflammatory syndrome and fever. Most often it is prescribed to children with a red and inflamed eardrum. Relieves throbbing pain, colic, and throat discomfort.
• Ferrum phosphoricum – improves the flow of oxygen to damaged tissues, activating the protective functions of the body. It is used in early stages of ear diseases, as it quickly relieves painful symptoms.
• Magnesia phosphorica - used to relieve symptoms of inflammation of the middle ear.
• Verbascum - mullein oil is applied topically, that is, instilled into the sore ear. Eliminates the feeling of congestion, removes wax and skin plugs. It is not recommended to use in the presence of pathological bloody or purulent discharge from the auditory canal.

The dosage of the drugs described above depends on the severity of painful symptoms and is selected by the doctor individually for each patient. As a rule, treatment lasts for 3-5 days, if no improvement is observed during this period, then another medicine is prescribed.

Surgical treatment

The method for removing wax depends on its type and consistency. Your baby may have a soft, dry, hard, or rocky wax clot. Surgical treatment is aimed at removing it without any damage to the ear canal or eardrum. The cork must first be softened using antiseptic solution or such special drugs (A-cerumen, Remo-vax, Debrox). Removal is carried out using a syringe that delivers a stream of water directed into the ear.

If the baby has perforated otitis media, then rinsing is not carried out, as there is a risk of perforation of the eardrum and total loss hearing The clot of ear secretion is removed using a special instrument - a hook probe, that is, using the dry method.

Prevention

Pledge successful treatment Any disease lies in preventing its occurrence. Prevention of cerumen impaction in a child is based on compliance with the following rules:

• Timely diagnosis and treatment of any ear pathologies.
• Regular checkups from an otolaryngologist, especially if you are prone to increased production sulfur.
• Proper hygiene ear canal.

It is necessary to understand that the ears are a self-cleaning organ, and wax is a protective lubricant. The secretion is removed from the ear on its own thanks to a natural cleansing mechanism. Hygiene must be limited to washing the initial part of the ear canal and the auricle. You can remove yourself only the wax that accumulates at the entrance to the ear, without penetrating deeper.

To prevent wax plugs in a child, parents should mechanically clean the external auditory canal once a week. It is prohibited to use cotton swabs, as if they penetrate deep into the ear, they can damage the eardrum. Also, you should not use various sharp objects to try to pull out the sulfur clot. This significantly increases the risk of serious injury.

Forecast

The success of treating earwax blockage depends on early diagnosis pathology. The prognosis in most cases is positive, since immediately after the procedure the child’s hearing is restored and discomfort disappears. If there were attempts to independently remove the clot using improvised means or cotton swabs, then most likely this led to injury to the eardrum. In this case, the prognosis worsens, as there is a risk of hearing loss.

A negative outcome is possible with the unreasonable and incorrect use of drugs that soften sulfur. Only therapy prescribed by a doctor will painlessly remove the blockage and restore the patient’s normal well-being and hearing.

Sulfur plugs in a child tend to recur. That is, after the first procedure of its removal, there is no guarantee that it will not form again. To prevent the disease, it is necessary to visit an otolaryngologist at least once every 6 months.

It is important to know!

IN medical practice Quite often one has to deal with the complaint of ringing in the ears. If you turn to medical terms, then this diagnosis will sound like tinnitus. This disease does not exist on its own; it is a sign of some disease.

Earwax in children's ears causes hearing impairment. At the same time, children begin to ask again 2 times and do not respond when their parents call them. Ear wax in a child is a problem that can be treated at home or in a clinic.

Causes of wax plugs

For this problem to appear in a child’s ears, certain conditions must exist. The ear of adults and children consists of several parts: the outer concha with the auditory canal, the drum with bones and the cochlea. Outside surface and the transitional part consist of cartilage, which is then transformed into a bone canal located inside the organ of hearing. Earwax is produced in a child's ear special gland, located in the above-described area. She has yellow, viscous to the touch. In this area, the skin that covers the cartilage moves quite easily.

When chewing, talking, the walls of the outer part in auricle can move in relation to the cartilage, and this facilitates the removal of sulfur secretion through the canal. Children's ears are able to self-clean in this way, removing wax, bacteria, and dust without external intervention. If any failure occurs in this process, then plugs of sulfur secretion begin to appear. This causes the appearance of a suspension that consists of bacteria, dust, sulfur and has a consistency similar to jelly. In a child, it does not dry out like in an adult, so as a person ages, this mass becomes denser, which leads to a decrease in hearing acuity.

The main reason for the appearance of sulfur plugs in children is the activation of processes for the production of sulfur secretion by glands located in the upper layers skin shells. This occurs when parents try to remove all the wax while cleaning the ear surfaces. Then, in order to fill the resulting deficiency, the body begins to intensively produce sulfur secretion. Thus, overly caring parents themselves provoke the appearance of excess wax, which is produced in the child’s ears.

At first, sulfur plugs in children are invisible; they allow sound waves to pass through. But then their size increases, which leads to blockage of the auditory canal. The plug thickens and becomes thick, and the child begins to have hearing problems.

Symptoms of excessive wax accumulation in the hearing organs

The child begins to complain that he cannot hear adults or peers well. If he still doesn’t speak well, he may consider this normal. Causes traffic jams to increase frequent bathing, in which water can penetrate the ear canals and cause swelling of wax plugs. Their sizes increase sharply, blocking the ability of sound waves to pass freely from the outer shell to inner cochlea. Along with a decrease in the hearing threshold of the ears, other signs may appear:

1. The child complains of pain in the head.
2. He may feel nauseous.
3. Dizziness may occur.

These symptoms do not occur very often, but if they appear, this indicates a disease - otitis media. Due to the presence of sulfur plugs, the child’s vestibular apparatus is disrupted, since it is directly related to hearing.

Usually babies do not notice a decrease in the hearing threshold, but caring parents can feel it. The kids ask again more than once and do not respond if they are called from another room in the apartment. They do not hear when someone approaches them from behind, and they flinch if touched at that moment.

What can parents do if their children have wax plugs?

If the above symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a doctor. Only he can deliver accurate diagnosis by examining the baby's ears special device. At the same time, it will become clear whether there is a cerumen plug or the child is developing otitis media. Perhaps pathologies that can lead to deafness or hearing loss are to blame for hearing loss. If swelling occurs in the baby's hearing organs, this can seriously harm him. The doctor detects wax plugs almost immediately when examining the baby’s ears using a reflector, which helps to find the location of the plug. Its color can be yellow, brown or black - it depends on its density. If it has been in the hearing organs for a long time, it can form bedsores on the auditory canal.

How to remove traffic jams from a child

This should be done by a qualified doctor. Parents should remember what is prohibited in such cases:

1. You should not try to remove a plug from your ears with a cotton swab.
2. It is not recommended to pour drops or introduce medications into the hearing organs without a doctor’s prescription.
3. It is forbidden to pick the auricle with knitting needles, tweezers, or needles.
4. Using traditional medicine without proper advice can cause a child to lose their hearing.

If done incorrectly, the wax plug may fall into the inner part of the hearing organ, which will significantly worsen the situation.

Sulfur is extracted by washing the auditory structures with antiseptics or saline. They should be used warm so as not to cause painful sensations in the eardrum. When using cold water The baby may vomit or become dizzy due to the effect on the vestibular system.

The procedure is carried out with a 20 ml syringe. It is installed parallel to the ear canal, which is aligned by pulling the concha. Parents should hug their child tightly, since the washing process itself is unpleasant for the child.

The liquid is injected under slight pressure, then the plug can be removed in 2-4 applications. Then a control examination of the hearing organ cavity is carried out. Dry the surface of the shell with cotton wool, which is inserted into the canal for 10 minutes.

If the plugs are very dense, then it is difficult to remove them using the above method. Then the doctor prescribes hydrogen peroxide, which is instilled into the child’s ear openings. Instead, special ointments can be used. In this case, the serous masses accumulated in the ears first swell, which can lead to a slight drop in the child’s hearing threshold.

The main function of earwax is to protect the inner ear from dirt, dust or small particles. Therefore, its development is a normal process. Foreign particles settle on the wax, it thickens, dries, and then itself is removed from the ears. This occurs due to the mobility of the epithelium of the outer ear, which, when talking or chewing, moves, moving the crusts closer to the exit. Failures may occur in this process, causing sulfur plugs to form.

Causes of wax plugs in the ears

• Excessive ear canal hygiene. With frequent ear cleaning, the body, trying to compensate for the lack of sulfur, begins to produce it several times more. As a result, the crusts do not have time to be removed and plugs form in the ears. As a result, the more often you clean your children's ear canals, the more wax will form in them. To avoid this, try to carry out the cleaning procedure no more than once a week.
• Using cotton swabs. Instead of removing the wax, they compact and push it further into the ear - this is how ear plugs form.
• Features of the structure of the ears. Some people have ears that are prone to earwax formation. This is not considered a pathology, these ears just need to be given more attention.
• The air is too dry. Insufficient air humidity in the room is one of the main reasons for the formation of dry wax plugs. Controlling the level of humidity, which should be about 60%, will help to avoid their occurrence.

Signs of a plug in the ear

If a wax plug in a child’s ear does not completely block the hole, then its presence can be found out after examination, since it does not cause discomfort. You need to pull your ear back slightly and look inside. If the cavity is clean, then there is no reason to worry, but if you find lumps or compactions in it, you should visit a specialist. If the hole is more blocked, the child may experience other symptoms of ear plugs. The most common is hearing loss, especially after water gets into the ear openings, which causes swelling and an increase in the volume of the plug, which leads to blockage of the ear canals. The child may experience headaches, slight dizziness and nausea. These symptoms arise due to a malfunction of the vestibular apparatus located in the inner ear.

Sometimes it is not possible to clear ear plugs from your ears in one go. This happens with dry sulfur seals. In such situations, preliminary softening of the cork is necessary. Before rinsing, hydrogen peroxide should be instilled into the ear openings for about 2-3 days. Since the product is a liquid, it leads to swelling of sulfur deposits, which provokes hearing loss. This should not be a cause for concern, since once the ears are cleaned, hearing will be restored.

Removing traffic jams at home

Visiting a doctor is not always possible. Then you can clean the ear plugs yourself. To do this, do not use metal or sharp objects, as they can damage the eardrum or ear canal. To remove plugs, you need to use special drugs. For example, A-cerumen. It is instilled into the ear 2 times a day for several days, during which time the sulfur formations are dissolved and removed. The drugs can be used not only to get rid of gray traffic jams in the ears, but also for prevention.