Excessive or impacted cerumen may be present in as many as 10% of children on routine examination and may block a child’s smaller ear canals, making removal necessary to allow full evaluation of the tympanic membrane in cases of fever and irritability. Intervention and treatment of cerumen impaction are also indicated when the patient has symptoms, including ear pain or pressure, fullness in the ear, and hearing loss. Special consideration is required for patients who are unable to communicate symptomatology, including infants and cognitively impaired patients, as well as those with structural abnormalities of the ear canal, immunosuppression, anticoagulant therapy, diabetes and non-intact tympanic membranes. Patients, including children, who wear hearing aids are at greater risk for cerumen impaction and should receive regular examination and treatment if necessary to optimize hearing efficiency.
We at Caring Pediatrics regularly help patients with excessive cerumen or ear wax. Please contact our office at (602) 610-7337 if you believe your child needs further evaluation
