Ear care in Pediatrics requires a gentle, preventive approach to avoid injury and infection. Here’s a concise guide to pediatric ear care based on best practices:
General Ear Care Guidelines for Children
| Aspect | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Avoid inserting cotton buds, hairpins, or matches into the ear canal. Use a damp cloth to clean the outer ear only. |
| Wax Management | A small amount of wax is normal. Use olive oil drops if advised, but consult a provider before removal. |
| Bathing & Swimming | Keep ears dry if the child has a history of infections or tubes. Use cotton balls with petroleum jelly or earplugs. |
| Infection Signs | Watch for discharge, pain, fever, or tugging at the ear—refer to a doctor promptly. |
| Hearing Aids | Clean earmolds regularly and check for wax buildup. Ensure proper fit and function. |
| Sun Protection | Apply sunscreen to ears during outdoor play to prevent sunburn or long-term damage. |
| Noise Exposure | Limit exposure to loud sounds. Use child-sized ear protection during concerts or fireworks. |
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Persistent ear pain, fever, or hearing loss
- Discharge or bleeding from the ear
- Signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, foul odor)
- Concerns about foreign bodies in the ear
What to Avoid
- Spraying hair products or perfumes near the ears.
- Using dry ice or direct ice packs for ear injuries.
- Ignoring persistent ear pain or hearing changes.
General Instructions
- It is advisable to keep children’s ears dry, when washing their hair, showering, or swimming, especially if they are known to have ear problems.
- The use of swimming plugs or cotton balls, which are smothered in Vaseline, will keep the ear canals dry.
- Some wax in the ears is normal.
- Glands in the inner one-third of the ear canal produce wax as the squamous cells in the ear canal migrate toward from the eardrum; wax is normally shed with these cells.
- It is not advisable to use cotton buds, matches, or hairpins to clean or to dry the child’s ear.
These items can damage the linings of ear canal and if pushed in far enough, can also damage the child’s eardrum. - Never put any small materials that may cause ear problems.
- Some children do have a buildup of wax, for example, those wearing hearing aids; olive oil can be used to keep the wax soft, in the hope that it will be expelled naturally. If the child needs to have the wax removed, it is advisable to see an experienced practitioner.
- Refer to doctor if any discharge or bleeding is seen from child’s ear.
- Please remember to apply sunscreen to the ears when the child is exposed to sunlight.
- Exposure to excessive sunlight can lead to basal cell carcinoma.
- It is also advisable to wear a cap during sunlight.
- Avoid spraying anything into the ears, for example, hair spray or any other cosmetic
preparations. - Always protect against and preferably avoid exposure to loud noise.
REFERENCES
- Annamma Jacob, Rekha, Jhadav Sonali Tarachand: Clinical Nursing Procedures: The Art of Nursing Practice, 5th Edition, March 2023, Jaypee Publishers, ISBN-13: 978-9356961845 ISBN-10: 9356961840
- Omayalachi CON, Manual of Nursing Procedures and Practice, Vol 1, 3 Edition 2023, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN: 978-9393553294
- Sandra Nettina, Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 11th Edition, January 2019, Published by Wolters Kluwer’s, ISBN-13:978-9388313285
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