Ear hygiene in the first year of life: physiology and practical recommendations

Body hygiene during the first months of life is not only an essential component of daily care but also a fundamental moment of interaction between the newborn and the caregiver. In this context, managing ear hygiene requires particular attention due to the anatomical fragility of the ear canal in newborns and the protective physiological function of earwax.

Earwax: protective function and self-cleaning mechanism

Earwax is a secretion naturally produced by the ceruminous and sebaceous glands present in the external auditory canal. Its main functions are:

• Protecting the eardrum and ear canal from dust, pathogens, and moisture.
• Keeping the canal dry, creating an environment that discourages bacterial and fungal growth.
• Promoting the spontaneous removal of foreign particles through an outward migration process.

In newborns, the presence of earwax does not necessarily indicate a problem; on the contrary, it represents a natural defense mechanism. Routine removal is not recommended unless there is pathological accumulation (plug) or associated clinical signs.

When and how to intervene

Under normal conditions, cleaning the newborn’s ear is limited to the outer auricle and the area near the canal entrance. This type of hygiene can be incorporated into the bathing routine, when heat and steam help soften the earwax, making superficial removal easier.

Operational recommendations:

• Use sterile gauze or soft, slightly moistened cloths to clean the auricle.
• Avoid any tools that enter the canal (including cotton swabs or fingers), to prevent pushing the wax deeper and risking trauma or eardrum perforation.
• If needed, cleaning can be done once or twice a week, depending on observed secretion.

It is important to remember that, in newborns, the auditory canal is shorter and narrower than in adults, with particularly thin and sensitive skin. These characteristics increase the risk of injury from improper maneuvers. Additionally, reflex or sudden head movements can increase the danger of accidental trauma, especially during procedures involving direct contact with the ear area.