Ear wax might not be the most glamorous topic—but when it comes to children’s health, it’s one of those little things that can make a big difference. At South Burnett Hearing, we regularly see concerned parents unsure whether their child’s ear wax is normal or something to worry about. If that’s you, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help.
What Is Ear Wax, and Why Do We Have It?
Ear wax (also called cerumen) is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. Its job? To protect and clean the ears. Ear wax traps dust, dirt, and even bacteria before they can cause harm. In most cases, it moves to the outer ear on its own, where it either flakes off or can be gently wiped away.
For children, the process is exactly the same—but as every parent knows, no two kids are alike. Some produce more ear wax than others. That’s normal.
Ear Wax in Children – What’s Normal?
It’s perfectly normal for kids to have visible ear wax in the outer part of the ear. Wax colour can vary from light yellow to dark brown, and its consistency can range from soft and sticky to dry and crumbly.
A steady presence of ear wax isn’t something to worry about. But when wax builds up too much, it can cause discomfort—or worse, interfere with hearing and speech development.
Signs That It Might Be a Problem
Here are a few signs that your child may have excessive or impacted ear wax:
- Complaints of a “blocked” or full feeling in the ear
- Trouble hearing or needing the TV turned up louder
- Earaches, discomfort, or itchiness
- Tugging or rubbing at their ears
- Sudden changes in mood, attention, or school performance
These symptoms can be subtle, especially in younger children who may not be able to describe what they’re feeling. That’s why regular checks and staying alert to behaviour changes are so important.
The Don’ts of Ear Cleaning
One of the most common mistakes we see is using cotton buds (Q-tips), hairpins, or even fingers to try and clean a child’s ears. Not only can these push wax further in, but they can also cause damage to the delicate skin of the ear canal—or even the eardrum.
Another mistake is over-cleaning. Ears are self-cleaning. Overdoing it removes the wax that helps protect against infection.
The bottom line? Don’t go digging. If you’re concerned, seek professional help.
Safe Solutions – When to See a Specialist
If your child is experiencing symptoms or frequently has blocked ears, it’s worth a visit to a hearing specialist. At South Burnett Hearing, we offer safe and gentle ear wax removal using modern methods like micro-suction. It’s quick, non-invasive, and well-tolerated—even by little ones.
We can also perform a full hearing assessment if needed, especially if you or your child’s teacher has noticed any changes in their listening or speech.
We recommend:
- Booking an appointment if your child complains of ear discomfort or hearing changes
- Avoiding DIY removal methods
- Considering an annual hearing check, especially if there’s a family history of hearing loss or repeated issues
Why Families Choose South Burnett Hearing
As a locally owned and independent clinic, we’re passionate about helping South Burnett families hear better. Our friendly team of experienced clinicians welcomes children aged 4 and up for hearing checks, ear wax removal, and early intervention.
We believe that early attention to hearing health sets children up for success—in school, in relationships, and life.
