Q&A for the Kids
What's Earwax?
Sure, earwax is a little gross, but it
serves an important purpose in your
body. It protects your eardrums from dirt
and water. It's made up mostly of fats
and other substances.
Old, dried-up wax on the outside of the ear has already done its duty. Get rid of it by rubbing a washcloth over the outer ear. But don't probe inside your ear with cotton swabs--this pushes the wax in deeper and could even damage your eardrum.
Sometimes, earwax can build up inside your ear. This may cause temporary hearing loss, ringing or a full feeling in your ear. Your parents can buy eardrops at the store or talk with your doctor to see if prescription medicine may help.
