Question: Is it safe to remove earwax from my toddler using a cotton bud? I heard ear candling is painless and effective on kids.

Answer: A cotton bud should never be used for removing earwax from anyone’s ear, regardless of age, for several reasons. Firstly, by using a cotton bud, one is more likely to push wax further down the ear canal than to remove it. Secondly, there is a possibility of perforating the eardrum. Thirdly, one can cause abrasion to the ear canal, which may subsequently cause infection. And lastly, the cotton head may fall off and become lodged in the ear canal. There is no medical evidence that ear candling is effective for the removal of earwax. In fact there is medical evidence that ear candling can result in significant complications that need medical attention. Try using a earwax softener such as olive oil. If the toddler has symptoms such as conductive hearing loss due to impaction of earwax, see a doctor to get his ears syringed.