Children's Ear
Wax Removal
Children's ears are smaller, more sensitive, and often more anxious about medical procedures. We take a calm, unhurried approach that puts children at ease — and keeps parents informed throughout.
Earwax Buildup in Children
Children produce earwax just as adults do, and their ears are just as capable of becoming blocked. Their ear canals are narrower and more angled — which can make wax impaction more likely and harder to spot. A child who seems inattentive, asks for things to be repeated, or turns the television up may have blocked ears rather than a behavioural issue.
Affects Up to 10% of Children
Research in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology found cerumen impaction in up to 10% of children — higher in those with developmental disabilities or hearing aids.
Affects Learning
Earwax impaction at a critical stage of language development can affect hearing, school performance, and communication before parents or teachers notice.
Symptoms Differ
Younger children can't always describe muffled hearing or ear fullness. Behavioural changes — seeming distracted, not responding to their name — are often the first sign.
Ages 6 and Over
We treat children aged 6 and over. Below this age, ear anatomy and cooperation make it more appropriate for a GP or ENT specialist to assess first.
How We Work with Young Patients
Every step of the appointment is designed to be calm, clear, and unhurried. Children do better when they know what to expect — so we tell them.
A Conversation First
We start by talking — with both the child and the parent. We explain what we're going to do in simple, honest terms. No medical jargon, no surprises.
We Prepare Them for the Sound
The microsuction device makes a noise. We tell children this upfront. Children do better when they're prepared for it rather than surprised by it mid-procedure.
Microsuction — No Water
We use microsuction for children wherever possible. It's a dry procedure — no water involved — which most children find less alarming than irrigation.
Slow and Gentle
We work slowly and stop if the child needs a break. There's no rush. The appointment takes as long as it needs to take.
Parent Present Throughout
A parent or guardian is present for the entire appointment. We encourage children to ask questions and tell us if anything feels uncomfortable.
Post-Procedure Check
After removal, we re-examine both ears to confirm clearance. Most children leave noticeably more relaxed — particularly once their hearing has cleared.
Foreign Objects in Children's Ears
Children occasionally put small objects into their ears — beads, small toy parts, pieces of foam, even food. This is more common than most parents expect, and it's not always immediately obvious.
Don't Attempt Removal Yourself
Pushing the object further in — even with a cotton bud or your finger — can cause injury to the ear canal or eardrum. Call us for an assessment first.
We Offer Foreign Object Removal
We offer a foreign object removal service for suitable cases. Whether removal is appropriate depends on the object type, position, and the child's ability to cooperate.
Go to A&E if...
The object is sharp, the child is in significant pain, or there's any sign of bleeding or discharge. These situations need hospital assessment, not a clinic appointment.
We'll Advise on the Safest Route
If you're unsure, call us. We'll ask a few questions about the object and the child's symptoms and tell you honestly whether we can help or whether A&E is the right step.
Read more about our foreign object removal service — including what types of objects we can remove and what the procedure involves.
Preparing Your Child
The most helpful preparation is using olive oil drops for three to five days before the appointment. Apply two to three drops to the affected ear three to four times daily. Lie the child on their side with the affected ear facing upward, instil the drops, and keep them still for five minutes. This softens the wax and makes removal faster and more comfortable.
Before the appointment, talk to your child about what will happen. You can describe the suction device as a tiny vacuum cleaner that makes a gentle noise. Reassure them that it doesn't involve needles, that you'll be there the whole time, and that they can ask us to stop at any point.
Bring something familiar for the child to hold — a toy or comfort object — and plan something enjoyable for afterwards. Children respond well to having something to look forward to.
Parent's Pre-Appointment Checklist
Apply olive oil drops 3–4 times daily to the affected ear
No drops needed on the morning of the appointment
Describe the suction device as a tiny vacuum cleaner that makes a noise
No needles, you'll be there the whole time, they can ask to stop
A comfort toy or familiar object for them to hold during the procedure
Arrange something enjoyable for after — it helps frame the appointment positively
Any history of ear surgery, grommets, or previous ear infections
Is Your Child Suitable for Treatment?
Most children aged 6 and over are suitable for microsuction. A few conditions mean we'd recommend a GP or ENT assessment first.
Suitable for Treatment
- Children aged 6 and over
- Gradual hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Feeling of fullness or blocked ear
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
- Wax visible on examination
- Hearing aid wearers with wax buildup
- Children who can sit still for 10–15 minutes
See GP or ENT First
- Children under 6 years old
- Known perforated eardrum or grommets
- Recent ear surgery (within 6 months)
- Active ear infection with discharge
- Foreign object in the ear (call us first)
- Sudden complete hearing loss
- Significant ear pain or bleeding
Same Price as Adult Appointments
Children's ear wax removal is charged at the standard rate. No additional fee for the extra time and care we take with younger patients.
If wax can't be fully removed in a single session — which occasionally happens with younger or more anxious children — we offer a free follow-up appointment. Full pricing page →
Written & Reviewed By
Eleni Kiromitis
Ear Care Specialist — Earwax Removal Devon
Eleni is a qualified ear care practitioner based in South Molton, Devon. She holds a Certificate in Ear Care (Level 6) and is trained in both microsuction and water irrigation. She practises in line with NICE guideline NG207 on earwax management and carries full professional indemnity insurance. All clinical content on this page has been written and reviewed by Eleni to ensure accuracy.
Book Your Child's Appointment
If you're concerned about your child's hearing or suspect they have blocked ears, we're here to help. Book online or call us to discuss your child's situation before booking.
We're happy to answer questions about whether your child is suitable for treatment and what to expect on the day.