Teaching Kids the Importance of Clean Ears
Introduction
Due to fast pace in life, especially in households where the routines of different family members are mixed with cultural customs, some personal hygiene aspects may not be given due care. One such crucial yet overlooked task is ear cleaning. Keeping the ears clean is one important yet disregarded education given to children for the betterment of health and hygiene overall. Think of the discomfort and probable hearing problems that might develop because of poor ear hygiene. Much like teaching children the importance of brushing their teeth and washing their hands, teaching them to clean their ears is equally essential.
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Why Ear Cleaning is Important for Children
This means cleaning the ears is not only for cosmetic purposes but also plays a role in maintaining the health of the ear and preventing infections. Here are some key reasons it's crucial for:
Ear Infection Prevention
This is because, in children, the Eustachian tubes are short and more horizontal in position compared to those found in adults. Cleaning the ears regularly prevents the buildup of wax, dirt, and other particles, hence halting infections that may lead to earache, fever, and sometimes even temporary hearing loss.
Better Hearing
This extra earwax may build up and harden to bar the entry of sound. More significantly, this happens to children whereby their incapacity to hear properly may hinder the ability to listen and learn well in school, hold a proper conversation, or even enjoy everyday activities.
Comfort and Hygiene
Clean ears mean comfort and hygiene. Too much wax causes itchiness and is a source of discomfort, and children will scratch their ears, which may introduce bacteria into the ears to cause infections. Regular cleaning helps in keeping a child's ear clean and comfortable.
Development of Good Hygiene Practices
When children are taught about ear hygiene at an early age, they begin to acquire habits that will last all their lives. Just as they learn to brush teeth and wash their hands, understanding the need to keep the ears clean instills responsibility toward personal health.
When and How to Clean Your Child's Ears
While it is a gentle and careful task, cleaning a child's ears prevents damage. Here are some of the tips on how and when to clean your child's ears:
Frequency
The ears don't require cleaning daily. Normally, once a week would be fine unless accumulation is apparent or your kid complains of irritation from wax. Over-cleaning removes protective natural wax from the ear.
Tools and Methods
Wipe with a washcloth: Wipe the outer part of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth. This might be enough to remove dirt and excess wax from your ear's opening.
Ear drops: Ear drops are available without a prescription if your wax is causing a lot of buildup. Follow the directions and never use these drops more than necessary.
Going to the doctor: Consult your pediatrician or an ENT specialist in case of persistent or hard wax accumulation for safe ear wax removal.
Never Insert Objects: Never insert cotton swabs, hairpins or any other thing into the ear canal. These will only push the wax further in and can also damage your ear canal or eardrum while causing infections.
Bath Time Routine
Make ear cleaning a part of your child's bath time routine. Use this time to wash and dry the outer ear gently so that it becomes normal and accepted hygiene practice.
Things You Should NOT Be Doing
Cotton Swabs
Though they seem custom-built for the job of cleaning the ears, cotton swabs generally serve the opposite function by pushing wax deeper into the ear canal and can sometimes even cause eardrum damage. They are best used for cleaning the outer ear.
Insertion of foreign objects
Avoid putting sharp or pointed objects in your child's ears to clean them. This could cause serious injuries and infections.
Over-cleaning
Too much cleaning might clear the natural, protective wax from the inside of the ears, drying them and irritating them in the process. Wax in the ears is antibacterial and can entrap dust and other similar particles.
Not seeking treatment for signs of ear problems
If you see that your child is having ear pain or discomfort, with some sort of discharge coming out, do not ignore the condition. It may be a symptom of infection or other problems. One needs timely attention to treat the symptoms on time and avoid complications.
Self-Treatment for Blockages
If your child has blocked ears due to wax, avoid the temptation of trying to treat them by yourself using an ear candle or some over-the-counter solution without consulting a doctor. Professional help ensures that the treatment of blocked ears is correct and safe.
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.
