Ear Infections in Children

Aside from the common cold, ear infections are one of the most commonly diagnosed illnesses in young children. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by the time they reach three years old.

Ear infections occur when fluid fills the space behind the eardrum. Children are especially vulnerable because of their Eustachian tube, which is located in the middle ear. This tube is responsible for draining fluid and equalizing pressure. In children, the Eustachian tube is less developed. This can lead to blockages and swelling from mucus and other fluids, which in turn may allow fluid to fill the middle ear space. This fluid causes pressure on the eardrum and can lead to a painful infection.

Common signs of an ear infection include:

• Tugging or pulling at the ear(s)
• Fussiness and crying
• Trouble sleeping
• Fever (especially in infants and younger children)
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Clumsiness or problems with balance
• Trouble hearing or responding to quiet sounds

If you suspect your child has an ear infection, consult his or her pediatrician. Some ear infections are caused by viruses, and the doctor may recommend a “wait and see” approach. If the infection is bacterial, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which is used to kill the bacteria responsible for the symptoms.

There are also steps parents can take to prevent the reoccurrence of an ear infection:

• Make sure your child is vaccinated: Studies have shown vaccinated children develop far fewer ear infections than children who are not vaccinated
• Wash your hands frequently: Washing hands prevents the spread of germs
• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke: Studies have shown babies who are around smokers have more ear infections
• Take precautions: As much as possible, limit your child’s exposure to other children who are sick

It’s important to note some children experience chronic ear infections. In those cases, the child’s doctor may recommend pressure equalization tubes. These tubes are inserted into the eardrum surgically to promote drainage and prevent future infections from occurring. Most tubes fall out naturally or are removed in a year or two.

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to a child’s hearing health. It’s important to monitor your child’s hearing and to make sure they get a routine hearing screening.

The Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) offers a variety of pediatric audiology services. Our audiologists can provide comprehensive hearing evaluations and hearing loss treatment options for children of all ages.

If you have concerns about your child's hearing, call PEI at 215.780.3180 to schedule an appointment today.