The ear is made up of three different parts – the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Although infections can occur in any area, the middle ear is most susceptible. The middle ear is the area just behind the eardrum and connects to the nose through tiny passages called eustachian tubes. When fluid, often from a cold or other viral infection, builds up in the middle ear, it can become inflamed or irritated. Since children’s eustachian tubes are narrower than those of adults and therefore unable to clear the fluid as effectively, children are more likely to develop ear infections. Middle ear infections , also known as otitis media, are one of the most common childhood conditions. Three out of four children in the US will have at least one ear infection by the time they reach the age of 3, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Diagnosis
An ear infection can be diagnosed by:
- Physical exam:
- Using an otoscope, a small lighted tube used to view the eardrum, as well as performing a complete physical examination of the:
- Throat
- Sinuses
- Head
- Neck
- Lungs
- Using an otoscope, a small lighted tube used to view the eardrum, as well as performing a complete physical examination of the:
- Test:
- Hearing test:
- A hearing test may also be performed for chronic or recurring ear infections.
- Hearing test:
Your can help reduce your child’s risk of ear infections by keeping them away from other sick children and secondhand smoke, breastfeeding and maintaining proper hygiene to prevent infection.
