Middle ear infections and what you need to know.
Key messages from this article
Middle ear infections are common in babies and younger children
If you believe your child is experiencing an ear infection, it is advised you take them to see your local GP
Middle ear infections can impact your child’s hearing and subsequently their speech and language development it is therefore important to have their hearing checked by a paediatric audiologist
Between the ages of 0 and 5 years the average Australian child will experience 3 months of middle ear infections. For aboriginal children this increases alarmingly to 32 months.
Middle ear infections (or otitis media) refers to the buildup of fluid or pus behind the eardrum often resulting in not only pain but also hearing impairment. While most episodes will improve without treatment, some children may need to receive a course of antibiotics from their doctor to help clear up more severe cases. If left untreated the pressure behind the middle ear can result in a burst eardrum.
What should I look out for?
Some common symptoms of middle ear infections in children include:
Earache – in babies and younger children signs include tugging or pulling on the ears
Fever
Discharge from the ear
Hearing difficulty
Loss of appetite
Difficulties sleeping
Commonly brought on by colds and flus
Middle ear infections can be brought on by the bacteria and virus from colds and flus. Babies and children are still building up their immune system and are therefore more likely to experience middle ear infections. In addition, the Eustachian tube, a tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat keeping the middle ear clear and aerated, is much narrower and flatter when compared to that of an adult. As a result children can have greater difficulty clearing out fluid and congestion when experiencing a cold or flu.
Hearing loss
Due to the build-up of fluid in the middle ear space children with middle ear infections will often experience hearing difficulties as sound does not travel as well through the fluid. The equivalent to wearing ear plugs 24/7. Typically, this hearing loss will only last as long as the infection however repeated middle ear infections or trapped fluid can cause delays in your child’s speech and language development, simply because you can’t speak what you don’t hear.
Glue ear
During or after an ear infection the fluid in the middle ear may become thickened resembling the consistency of glue. When this happens and antibiotics are unable to clear the pus your GP may refer your child to see an Ear Nose and Throat specialist as a small operation may be required. The surgeon will make a small hole in the eardrum and insert a tube called a grommet to help drain the fluid.
What should I do if I think my child has an ear infection?
If you feel your child is experiencing an ear infection, it is recommended that you make an appointment with your local GP to have them assessed. Depending on the severity of the infection the doctor may suggest a watch and wait approach with or without over the counter pain medication or they may treat with antibiotics. It is advised that any child experiencing an ear infection is seen by a paediatric audiologist to have their hearing assessed.
