How Common Are Ear Infections in Young Children?

Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections due to anatomically shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes. This makes it easier for pathogens to enter the middle ear from the nasopharynx and cause infection. Children are more prone to ear infections than adults due to their larger adenoids, which can interfere with the opening of the tubes and make it difficult for fluid to drain from the middle ear.

What is Otitis Media?

Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. When a person has an ear infection, the narrow tubes that run from the middle ear to the back of the throat (known as Eustachian tubes) can become inflamed and blocked. This blockage can cause a build-up of mucus in the middle ear, which can become infected and result in symptoms of an ear infection.

Usually, ear infections tend to heal on their own, so initial treatment involves managing pain and monitoring the situation. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear the infection. However, some individuals are more susceptible to recurring ear infections, which can lead to hearing problems and other potentially serious complications.

 

What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection in Young Children?

•           Tugging or pulling at an ear
•           Trouble sleeping
•           Crying more than usual
•           Fussiness
•           Trouble hearing or responding to sounds
•           Loss of balance
•           Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher
•           Drainage of fluid from the ear
•           Headache
•           Loss of appetite

Risk Factors

Here are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of ear infections:

 

Childcare or Nursery

Children who attend group childcare settings are more susceptible to ear infections because of their increased exposure to infections, such as the common cold.

 

Infant Feeding

Babies who are fed from a bottle, particularly while lying down, have a greater chance of developing ear infections compared to those who are breastfed.

 

Seasonal Factors

Ear infections are most common during autumn and winter, and individuals with seasonal allergies may have a heightened risk of ear infections when pollen counts are high.

 

Poor Air Quality

Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can also increase the risk of ear infections.

 

Cleft Palate

Children with cleft palates may face difficulty in draining their Eustachian tubes due to variations in bone structure and muscles.

 

What Are the Complications of Ear Infection?

Ear infections usually don't cause any lasting problems. However, if they keep happening, they can lead to serious complications such as:

 

Hearing Problems

Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is common with an ear infection, but it usually gets better after the infection clears. However, multiple ear infections or fluid in the middle ear can lead to more significant hearing loss. Permanent hearing loss may result if there is any permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures.

 

Speech or Developmental Delays

Infants and toddlers who experience temporary or permanent hearing loss due to ear infections may experience delays in speech, social and developmental skills.

 

Spread of Infection

Untreated infections or infections that don't respond well to treatment can spread to nearby tissues. Infection of the mastoid, the bony protrusion behind the ear, is called mastoiditis. This infection can result in damage to the bone and the formation of pus-filled cysts. In rare cases, serious middle ear infections can spread to other tissues in the skull, including the brain or the membranes surrounding the brain (meningitis).

 

Tearing of the Eardrum

Most eardrum tears heal within 72 hours. However, in some cases, surgical repair is necessary.

How Is Otitis Media Diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination. During the examination, the outer ear(s) and eardrum(s) will be inspected using an otoscope. An otoscope is a lighted tool that allows the healthcare provider to look inside the ear. Additionally, a pneumatic otoscope can be used to blow a puff of air into the ear to test eardrum movement. In most healthcare providers' offices, a test called tympanometry can be performed to help determine how the middle ear is functioning. This test does not determine if the child is hearing or not, but it helps to detect any changes in pressure in the middle ear. The test can be challenging to perform in younger children as they need to remain still without crying, talking, or moving. Children who experience frequent ear infections may need to undergo a hearing test.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you notice any signs or symptoms of an ear infection, it is crucial to act swiftly. An accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment can prevent the condition from worsening, particularly in young children. Do not hesitate to call your child's doctor if any of the following are present:

•         Symptoms last for more than a day
•         Symptoms are present in a child less than 6 months of age
•         Ear pain is severe
•         Your infant or toddler is experiencing sleeplessness or irritability after a cold or other upper respiratory infection.
•         You observe a discharge of fluid, pus, or bloody fluid from the ear.