You’ve probably heard about how common it is for babies and young children to get ear infections. But how can you tell if your little one has one when they can’t tell you “my ear hurts?” Here’s how to tell if your baby may be suffering from an ear infection, and how to treat it.
Why Do Babies Get Ear Infections?
It’s incredibly common for babies (and toddlers) to get ear infections. In fact, five out of six children will experience one before their third birthday, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Sore throats, colds, and upper respiratory infections can cause bacteria to spread into the middle ear through the eustachian tubes. And when fluid builds up behind the eardrum, an ear infection can occur (typically known as otitis media). Little ones are more likely to suffer from ear infections due to their immune systems being young and less developed, as well as the fact that the eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal than in adults. Because of this, it’s much more difficult for fluid buildups to successfully drain out of the ear.
What Are the Signs That My Baby Has an Ear Infection?
The most telling sign of an ear infection is pain in and around the ear area. Without being able to tell you that they’re in pain, your baby might:
- Tug or pull on their ears
- Cry and be irritable
- Have trouble sleeping
- Have a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Experience fluid visibly draining out of the ear
- Experience loss of balance
- Seem to have difficulty hearing or responding to sounds
It’s possible you may notice symptoms like pain or irritability more often during feedings, as the act of sucking and swallowing can cause changes in pressure to the middle ear. If your baby has a high fever, severe pain or blood or pus coming from the ears, it’s important to contact their provider immediately.
How Are Ear Infections Treated in Babies?
While mild ear infections may go away on their own, your child’s provider may opt to treat an ear infection with an antibiotic. Babies under six months of age are almost always prescribed antibiotics, as complications from ear infections can be more serious at this young age.
Children six to 24 months with mild ear infections may be asked to go with a “wait and see” approach before prescribing an antibiotic. The reason? Bacteria that cause these types of infections may start to become resistant to antibiotics, which can make treating future infections more difficult.
If your little one is in a lot of pain or the ear infection is more advanced, antibiotic treatment is more likely. If your little one has recurrent ear infections or hearing-related issues related to fluid buildup in the ear, their provider may refer them to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. After an evaluation, your child’s specialist may recommend performing a tympanostomy, or tube insertion. This short surgical procedure is the most common childhood surgery performed in the U.S., and takes on average eight to 15 minutes. During this outpatient procedure, small tubes are placed into the eardrums which help prevent the buildup of fluid and improve air flow. For most babies and young children, this procedure is highly effective at treating and preventing chronic ear infections.
We know that ear infections can be one of the more frustrating ailments in babies—especially if they happen frequently. If you have any concerns that your little one may have an ear infection, or has had recurrent ear infections, it’s important to speak with their provider to discuss a treatment plan.