A Parents Guide to Ear Health

It’s normal to get more than a little bit anxious when your child seems to suffer from some hearing issues or they are in visible discomfort. Kids’ ears are still developing, which means that a build-up of wax and minor infections are more than likely to occur during the early years of their lives

The majority of these issues are only temporary and can be easily managed as and when needed. Here are a few of the basics of children’s ear health tips to help you out with this.

What is considered “normal”?

Children can often experience issues with their ears, such as:

• A build-up of wax, which is the natural defense of the ear
• During a cold, hearing becomes muffled as the congestion has spread to the ear
• Your child’s ears pop in a car journey or a flight, which is an adjustment to the altitude

If your child is generally happy, responsive, and not in any discomfort, their ears are likely doing exactly what they should be.

Daily Care: The Do’s and Don’ts

The best way to look after their ears is to keep things simple.

• Don’t use cotton buds or anything else into the ear canal as this has the potential to push wax in deeper or even cause damage to the eardrum
• Do keep them dry – especially after swimming or bathtime with a dry towel – pat drying is enough here
• Do use protection if required if your child gets frequent ear infections e.g. earplugs or a headband

Common Issues to Watch For

Because children have smaller, more horizontal Eustachian tubes (the tubes that drain the ear), fluid can get trapped more easily than in adults.

• Ear infections following on from a cold. These often come along with ear-tugging, irritability or a fever. You should watch out for any fluid or pus draining.
• Glue ear is another potential issue that involves fluid building up behind the eardrum. Pay attention if your child turns up the TV, starts speaking louder or doesn’t respond to your calls
• A total blockage caused by earwax that required a professional to safety clear it

How Children’s Ear Health Can Reflect Adult Ear Health

Many of the ear issues seen in children can also occur in adults, often for similar reasons. While adult ears are fully developed, they are still affected by wax build-up, congestion, pressure changes and infection.

For example, earwax is a natural protective substance at any age. In adults, just as in children, problems tend to arise when wax builds up faster than it can clear naturally. This can lead to blocked ears, muffled hearing or discomfort, particularly for those who use earbuds, hearing protection or cotton buds.

Congestion caused by colds, sinus infections or allergies can also affect adult hearing in much the same way. Fluid can build up behind the eardrum, leading to a feeling of fullness, popping or temporary hearing loss. Air pressure changes during flights or car journeys can cause ear popping in adults too, especially if the ears are already congested.

Infections, while less common in adults than in children, can still occur and should be taken seriously if symptoms persist. Glue ear is more frequently associated with children, but fluid retention behind the eardrum can also affect adults and may cause hearing difficulties or balance issues.

The key difference is that adults may be more likely to ignore symptoms or put them down to tiredness, stress or ageing. Recognising that many ear health issues are not age-specific can encourage earlier checks and help prevent longer-term hearing problems.

Looking after ear health from an early age helps build good habits that support healthy hearing throughout adulthood.

When to Seek Professional Advice

While ear issues may resolve on their own, it is going to be worth getting a check-up if:

• Ear pain persists for more than 24–48 hours.
• You notice any discharge, bleeding, or an unpleasant smell coming from the ear.
• You are concerned that their hearing is affecting their speech development or progress at school.
• They are suffering from frequent, recurring infections.

Most childhood ear problems are a short-term hurdle. A quick professional check can provide peace of mind and ensure your child is hearing the world clearly.