How to prepare for a video visit about Earwax Blockage

Audience: pediatric

Earwax blockage is common in children and can cause discomfort, hearing issues, or ear pain. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess symptoms and guide safe treatment steps. Preparing well for the telemedicine appointment helps your child get the best care. This guide explains what to expect, how to get ready, and when to seek urgent in-person care. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for a direct medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ear pain or sudden worsening of pain — seek urgent in-person care.
• Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear — get immediate medical evaluation.
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) with ear symptoms — contact healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of earwax blockage symptoms.
• Guidance on safe home care and earwax removal methods.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical removal of impacted earwax.
• Diagnosis of ear infections requiring examination.
• Treatment of complications like ear drum rupture.

What is Earwax Blockage?

Earwax, also called cerumen, is a natural substance that protects the ear canal. Sometimes, earwax builds up and blocks the ear, causing symptoms like ear fullness, hearing loss, or mild pain. In children, this can affect balance or cause fussiness. Earwax blockage is usually harmless and can often be managed safely with guidance from a healthcare provider.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before the video visit, find a quiet, well-lit space where your child can sit comfortably. Have a list of your child's symptoms ready, including when they started and any changes. Avoid trying to remove earwax yourself with cotton swabs or objects, as this can cause injury. If possible, have a flashlight or phone light available to help show the ear during the visit. Make sure your device's camera and microphone work well.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and medical history. They may guide you to gently show the inside of the ear using your device's camera. Based on what they see and hear, they will advise if home care is appropriate or if an in-person visit is needed. They may suggest safe earwax removal methods or recommend follow-up steps.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has severe ear pain, sudden hearing loss, fever, fluid or blood draining from the ear, or signs of infection like swelling or redness around the ear, seek urgent in-person medical care. These signs may indicate a more serious problem that requires direct examination and treatment.

Safe Home Care Tips

Do not insert cotton swabs or sharp objects into your child's ear. Avoid using ear candles or unproven remedies. If advised by your provider, you may use over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax. Follow instructions carefully and watch for any worsening symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone are working.
• Have a list of your child's symptoms and their duration.
• Avoid inserting anything into your child's ear before the visit.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show the ear if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on earwax removal or care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms do not improve or red flags appear.
• Keep ears dry and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
• Contact your healthcare provider if new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can I remove my child's earwax blockage at home?

You should avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your child's ear, as this can push wax deeper or cause injury. If your healthcare provider recommends it, you may use over-the-counter ear drops to soften the wax. Always follow professional advice and do not attempt forceful removal.

What causes earwax blockage in children?

Earwax naturally protects the ear canal, but sometimes it builds up due to overproduction, narrow ear canals, or frequent cleaning attempts. Children may be more prone because their ear canals are smaller or due to use of hearing aids or earplugs.

When should I be worried about my child's ear symptoms?

Seek urgent care if your child has severe ear pain, fever, fluid or blood draining from the ear, sudden hearing loss, or swelling around the ear. These signs may indicate infection or other complications needing prompt treatment.

Can a video visit replace an in-person ear exam?

A video visit can help assess symptoms and guide care but cannot replace a physical exam when needed. Some conditions require direct examination or procedures that must be done in person.

Sources

1. Earwax Blockage — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Earwax (Cerumen) and Ear Hygiene — Mayo Clinic.
3. Cerumen Impaction — National Library of Medicine.
4. Ear Infection (Otitis Media) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsening, seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional promptly.