Significance

• Ear infections affect most babies. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, three out of four children will experience at least one ear infection before they reach the age of 3. In some cases, a child may have other factors that increase the likelihood of fluid in the ears. Temporary hearing loss may be present due to the ear's inability to process sounds through fluid. The fluid also may be present for many weeks without presenting any symptoms of infection. This can extend temporary hearing loss. In more severe cases, an eardrum may rupture from excessive pus and pressure.
  
  

Identification

• Identifying an ear infection can be done at home. If your child is old enough to speak, then he may tell you plainly that his ear hurts. In babies, this is not the case. Look for these signs in your baby: crying more than usual, rubbing or tugging ears, trouble sleeping or soothing, overly cranky, has a fever or has any fluid draining from the ears. Should you see pus or blood coming from the ears you should see a doctor immediately. There are products on the market, like the EarCheck EC-2 monitor, that can be inserted into the baby's ear to determine the amount of fluid present.
  
  

Causes

• Fluid in the ear that doesn't drain leads to an infection. This fluid can come from many places. Often, an ear infection follows a cold or other bout of sinus blockage and drainage. Children also have narrower tubes for draining fluid than adults. These are called Eustachian tubes. And they can cause slower drainage, which is often the cause of the infection. The tubes also can become blocked when adenoids, often referred to as tonsils, swell from an infection. Swimmer's ear is also a form of ear infection caused by fluid resting in the ear. Finally, a child's immune system is not fully developed and is simply more susceptible to illness.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Don't allow your baby to drink from a bottle while lying down. Keep your child away from cigarette smoke as poor air quality leads to a higher risk of ear infection. The infections are not contagious, but they are more likely to occur in families that have a history of them. Avoid anyone who's sick. An ear infection can be brought on by a cold or other illness. Babies who are breast-fed for at least the first six months of life are less likely to be afflicted with the condition due to a natural boost in antibodies.
  
  

Treatment

• Typically, a middle ear infection will clear up without medical intervention in about three to four days. But watching your baby suffer can be difficult. The infections, however, are common and often pass quickly. Do what you can to comfort your baby. Some babies may prefer to suckle a pacifier or breast-feed more often. Others may not want to eat or suckle at all. If medical treatment is requested, a doctor may prefer to wait until the ear infection has existed at least three days before prescribing an antibiotic. Recurring problems, or infections that have lasted more than three days, may be treated with antibiotics. Frequent ear infections that inhibit a baby's normal functioning may require the insertion of tubes that help the ears drain. With the consent of your doctor, you may give your baby pain reliever to help with any discomfort. Place a damp and warm wash cloth over the ear. Be sure to spend extra time cuddling and comforting your baby. He may have trouble sleeping and benefit from the extra time in your arms.