It’s natural to worry when you think something isn’t right with your child’s health. Earwax is a normal, healthy part of how our ears work, but sometimes it can build up and cause discomfort. For parents, knowing what to look for and how to find safe help can be a huge relief. Many children experience issues with earwax, and understanding the facts is the first step towards resolving them.

This guide is designed for UK parents. We’ll walk you through what earwax is, why it sometimes becomes a problem for children, the symptoms to watch for, and the safest, most effective treatment options available from trained clinicians.

What is earwax and why do children get buildup?

Earwax, or cerumen, isn’t a sign of poor hygiene. In fact, it’s the opposite. The body produces it to protect the ear canal. It has natural cleaning properties and helps to keep dust, dirt, and bacteria from reaching the delicate eardrum. Normally, wax works its way out of the ear on its own through jaw movements like chewing and talking.

However, some children are more prone to earwax buildup. This can happen for several reasons:

Narrow ear canals: Some children simply have smaller or more curved ear canals, making it harder for wax to exit naturally.
Frequent earbud or earplug use: Pushing earbuds into the ear can compact wax and block its normal path out.
Using cotton buds: This is a major cause of impaction. Cotton buds push wax deeper into the ear canal, packing it down against the eardrum where it can harden and cause problems.
Skin conditions: Conditions like eczema can sometimes lead to the production of drier, flakier wax that doesn’t move out as easily.
Hearing aids: The earmoulds of hearing aids can block the ear canal, preventing wax from migrating out as it should.

Symptoms of earwax buildup to watch for

When earwax becomes impacted, it can cause a range of symptoms. Your child might not be able to explain what’s wrong, but you may notice some of these signs:

Earache or a feeling of fullness: They might complain of a blocked or “full” feeling in their ear.
Reduced hearing: This is a common symptom. You might notice them asking you to repeat things, turning up the volume on devices, or seeming less responsive. This can sometimes affect their concentration at school.
Tinnitus: A ringing, buzzing, or humming sound in the ear that no one else can hear.
Itching or irritation: Discomfort inside the ear canal.
Dizziness or loss of balance: Impacted wax can sometimes interfere with the ear’s balance mechanisms.
An unusual odour or discharge: This can sometimes indicate that the wax is trapping moisture.

If you spot any of these signs, it’s a good idea to get their ears checked by a professional.

When to seek professional help

While earwax buildup is common, certain situations require a professional assessment. It’s crucial to seek help if your child experiences:

Severe or persistent ear pain.
A sudden loss of hearing.
A history of perforated eardrums or grommets.
Any discharge from the ear, which could signal an infection.
Symptoms that don’t improve or get worse.

Crucially, never attempt to remove wax at home by inserting objects into the ear canal. This includes cotton buds, hairpins, or any other tool. You risk pushing the wax further in, scratching the delicate skin of the ear canal, or even damaging the eardrum. We also strongly advise against using ear candles, as there is no scientific evidence that they work, and they carry a significant risk of burns and injury.

Safe treatment options for children

The safest way to manage earwax buildup is with professional help. A qualified clinician will first look inside your child’s ear with an otoscope (a magnifying tool) to assess the situation. Based on this ear health check, they will recommend the most suitable method.

At UK Ear Care, our specialists use two main techniques for paediatric ear wax removal:

Microsuction: This is considered the gold standard for earwax removal for children. The clinician uses a fine, low-pressure suction device and a microscope to see directly into the ear canal. This allows them to gently and precisely remove the wax without touching the canal walls. It’s quick, comfortable, and typically very well tolerated by children.
Warm Water Irrigation: In some cases, gentle irrigation with warm, sterile water may be more appropriate. This method softens and flushes the wax out. It is only performed when a clinician confirms it is safe to do so after a thorough check of the ear’s health.

Before your appointment, you may be advised to use softening drops (like olive oil or a brand such as Earol) for a few days. This helps to soften hard, impacted wax, making the removal process quicker and more comfortable for your child.

How UK Ear Care helps families

Finding the right care for your child is paramount. UK Ear Care is a specialist service dedicated solely to ear health. Our team consists of NHS-trained clinicians who have successfully treated over 10,000 patients, many of them children.

We pride ourselves on our child-friendly approach, taking the time to explain the process to both you and your child to ensure they feel safe and relaxed. Our appointments are typically 30–45 minutes long, giving us plenty of time for a thorough assessment, treatment, and to answer any questions you have. With same-day and short-wait appointments available, you can get help when you need it.

At-home do’s and don’ts

DO use softening drops as advised by a clinician or pharmacist before an appointment.
DON’T insert anything into your child’s ears. This includes cotton buds, fingers, or any other object.
DON’T try DIY removal kits or ear candles.
AVOID using home-remedy drops if your child has pain, discharge, a known eardrum perforation, or grommets, unless directed by a doctor.

Children’s earwax removal in your area

Our specialist paediatric ear wax removal services are available for families across the UK. With dedicated clinics and highly trained staff, we provide accessible and expert care. If you are looking for children’s earwax removal in Glasgow or Edinburgh, our Scottish clinics offer a welcoming environment for young patients. Similarly, our clinics in Manchester and Cardiff are fully equipped to help children with earwax buildup, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is earwax normal in children?
Yes, completely. Earwax is the ear’s natural self-cleaning and protective mechanism. It only becomes a problem if it builds up and causes symptoms like hearing loss or discomfort.

Are cotton buds safe for kids’ ears?
No. Cotton buds are a leading cause of impacted earwax. They push wax deeper into the ear canal, where it can get stuck and harden. They can also cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum.

Is microsuction safe for children?
Yes, when performed by a trained and experienced clinician, microsuction is considered the safest and most effective method for removing earwax in children. It’s precise, gentle, and allows the clinician to see inside the ear throughout the entire process.

How do I prepare my child for an appointment?
The best preparation is to talk to them calmly about what will happen. Explain that a friendly expert will look in their ear with a special light and use a tiny vacuum (like a “hoover for ears”) to tickle the wax out. Using softening drops as advised beforehand also makes the process