Red flags & when to go in person for Earwax Blockage in Children

Audience: pediatric

Earwax blockage is common in children and usually not serious. It happens when earwax builds up and blocks the ear canal, causing discomfort or hearing problems. Many times, earwax clears on its own or can be managed safely at home. However, some signs mean a child needs to see a healthcare provider in person. These include severe pain, sudden hearing loss, signs of infection, or if the child has a foreign object in the ear. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, offer advice, and guide safe care steps. But it cannot safely remove earwax or treat complications that need hands-on care. This guide helps parents understand when to use telemedicine and when to seek in-person care for their child’s earwax blockage.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or worsening ear pain — seek in-person care immediately.
• Ear drainage that is yellow, green, or bloody — may indicate infection needing evaluation.
• Sudden hearing loss or inability to hear — urgent assessment needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing symptoms and medical history related to earwax blockage.
• Providing guidance on safe home care and prevention.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is necessary.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physically removing earwax or foreign objects.
• Diagnosing or treating ear infections or complications requiring examination.
• Performing hearing tests or procedures that need special equipment.

What is Earwax Blockage?

Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that protects the ear canal by trapping dust and bacteria. Sometimes, earwax can build up and block the ear canal, causing discomfort, fullness, or hearing difficulties. This is common in children, especially if they use cotton swabs or have narrow ear canals.

Common Symptoms in Children

Children with earwax blockage may have:

These symptoms often develop gradually and may improve with simple home care.

When to Use Telemedicine for Earwax Blockage

Telemedicine can be a helpful first step to:

During a tele-visit, the provider may ask about symptoms and medical history to decide if further care is needed.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Seek in-person medical care promptly if your child has:

These signs may indicate infection or other problems requiring hands-on treatment.

Safe Home Care Tips

To help manage earwax blockage safely at home:

Do not attempt to remove earwax with sharp tools or ear candles.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, prepare by:

This helps the provider assess your child's condition more effectively.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Observe and note your child's symptoms and duration.
• Ensure your child is calm and comfortable before the call.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show the ear if requested.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the telemedicine visit.
• Prepare to describe any previous ear problems or treatments.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags develop or symptoms worsen.
• Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
• Keep the ear dry and clean as instructed.

FAQs

Can I use cotton swabs to clean my child's ears?

No. Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and cause blockage or injury. It's safest to clean only the outer ear with a damp cloth.

How can I tell if my child has an earwax blockage?

Common signs include ear fullness, mild discomfort, and trouble hearing. A healthcare provider can help confirm the diagnosis, sometimes using a special lighted instrument.

Is earwax blockage dangerous for children?

Usually, earwax blockage is not dangerous and can be managed safely. However, if your child has severe pain, drainage, or hearing loss, seek medical care promptly.

Can telemedicine remove earwax blockage?

No. Telemedicine can guide care and assess symptoms but cannot physically remove earwax. Removal often requires in-person care by a healthcare professional.

What should I do if my child has a foreign object in their ear?

Do not try to remove it yourself. Seek in-person medical care promptly to avoid injury or infection.

Sources

1. Earwax blockage — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Cerumen Impaction (Earwax) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Earwax (Cerumen) Removal — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Earwax Blockage in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.