Dr Chin’s Overview on Common ENT Issues in Children: Early Spotting Matters
Discover common ENT issues in children and learn how early spotting of ear, nose, and throat problems can protect your child’s future.
Keeping your ears clean is key for good ear health. It is also important to know how to clean them safely. Some techniques can help, while others may cause harm, based on how you use them. Ear, nose, and throat experts suggest methods that lower the risks while taking care of earwax buildup.
Understanding Earwax and Its Role
Earwax, also known as cerumen, helps protect the ear canal. It keeps out dirt, dust, and bacteria. Usually, the ear cleans itself by pushing out extra wax. But some people have too much earwax, which can cause clogged ears or trouble hearing.
Safe Ear Cleaning Techniques
Avoiding Harmful Tools
Using cotton swabs is a common practice, but it is not safe. Cotton swab ear damage can happen when the wax gets pushed deeper into the ear canal. This can cause problems like impaction or irritation.
Ear Irrigation and Syringing
Ear irrigation is a common way to remove earwax. It can be done in clinics or at home. This method uses a bulb syringe or an irrigation device to clean the ears with water. It is important to be careful while doing ear syringing.
Microsuction Ear Cleaning
Microsuction is the best way for professional ear cleaning. ENT doctors use a small suction tool while seeing what they are doing. This helps them take out earwax accurately. It is perfect for people who have sensitive ears or who struggle with a lot of earwax buildup.
Natural and Alternative Ear Cleaning
Natural Ear Cleaning at Home
Some people like to clean their ears using warm olive oil. A few drops of it can help soften the wax and make it easier for it to drain out. However, cleaning ears naturally should still follow safety rules.
Ear Candling Risks
Ear candling is often advertised, but it is not safe. The bad side is much greater than any good it may claim to have. Risks include burns, blockages, and even holes in your eardrum. It is not a good method for earwax removal.
Age-Specific Ear Care
Child and Baby Ear Cleaning
Child ear cleaning should only be for the outer ear. You can use a damp cloth for this. When it comes to baby ear cleaning, it needs to be very gentle. Don’t clean inside their ears unless a pediatrician says it’s okay.
Elderly Ear Cleaning
Elderly people might need to check their hearing aids more often because of issues like drier earwax. Managing hearing aids and earwax usually needs help from a professional to keep the devices working well.
When to See an Ear Cleaning Doctor
If you experience persistent symptoms like clogged ears, ringing sounds, or hearing loss, it’s recommended to consult a specialist. An ENT can assess the safety of earwax removal and recommend the most effective cleaning method. Professional cleaning ensures safe and effective results, preventing ear infections and other issues.
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
