Ear infections are extremely prevalent in young children, particularly those under the age of 2. The infection, also known as acute otitis media, is an inflammation of the middle ear (the small space behind your eardrum). Though treatment for the infection is readily available and effective, permanent hearing loss is possible – particularly if the condition becomes chronic. Hearing loss in young children can impact their ability to learn speech and language.

Let’s take a look at the symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatments for ear infections. You’ll also learn how to prevent them.

Symptoms of Ear Infections

Ear infections are marked by the following symptoms:

  • Pain
  • Pulling on the ear
  • Fever
  • Fluid drainage from the ear
  • Fluid buildup in the ear (though fluid may buildup and NOT be infected)
  • Trouble hearing

Young children may be unable to verbally express how they’re feeling, so it’s important to monitor their behavior. If they’re extra fussy, aren’t as responsive to sound as normal, or are exhibiting some of the other symptoms above, it’s a good idea to schedule a doctor’s visit.

Ear Infection Diagnosis

To determine if you have an ear infection, your doctor will review your symptoms and examine your ear. They’ll want to see how much fluid is built up behind your eardrum. To determine this, they’ll use a pneumatic otoscope or tympanometry to gauge your eardrum’s movement. Limited or no movement means that you have a lot of fluid built up.

Your doctor could also try acoustic reflectometry. This test measures how much sound bounces back from your eardrum. If a lot of sound bounces back, you have a significant amount of fluid built up. 

Finally, your doctor may perform tympanocentesis. This test involves making a small hole in your eardrum so that the infected fluid drains out. A sample of this fluid will be tested to determine if your infection is bacterial or viral.

Ear Infection Causes

An ear infection may occur when the Eustachian tube gets blocked by fluid buildup. This tube forms a passageway between your middle ear and your throat. Children are more prone to infection because their Eustachian tube gets blocked easily. Their tube is narrow and straight, which doesn’t allow for proper fluid drainage. In some cases, your adenoids may block your Eustachian tube. Other illnesses, like the cold or flu, can bring on an ear infection because the passageways in your ears, nose, and throat swell and become blocked.

Treatments for Ear Infections

If the infection is bacterial, antibiotics should help to clear it up. However, if the infection is viral, you’ll have to wait for the fluid to drain on its own (which could take weeks or months). For chronic ear infections, your ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor may suggest surgically inserting tubes into your ears to assist with fluid drainage.

After an ear infection — especially if you’re a regular sufferer — it’s a smart move to have your hearing assessed by an audiologist. That way, you can be aware of any hearing loss you may have sustained. In the San Antonio, Texas area, we wholeheartedly recommend Doss Audiology.

Ear Infection Prevention

While an ear infection seems like a cruel rite of passage for kids, there are a few things you can do to minimize their (and your!) risk:

  • Hold your baby upright during feedings.
  • Make sure you and your children are up to date on vaccinations.
  • Limit exposure to large groups or people who might be ill.
  • Practice good hygiene to include regular handwashing.
  • Stay away from any smoke.

Final Thoughts

Ear infections are a common, painful ailment that most people endure at some point in their lives. While most infections get resolved without leaving a lasting, negative impact, it is possible for you to sustain permanent hearing loss. If you or your child show the symptoms of an ear infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Quick medical intervention can get you (or them) feeling better quickly and reduce the risk of any long-term damage.