

Differences in the bone structure and muscles in children who have cleft palates may make it more difficult for the eustachian tube to drain. Ear infections are more common among Alaska Natives. Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infections. People with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections when pollen counts are high. Ear infections are most common during the fall and winter. Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infections than do babies who are breast-fed. The children in group settings are exposed to more infections, such as the common cold. Children cared for in group settings are more likely to get colds and ear infections than are children who stay home. Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of their eustachian tubes and because their immune systems are still developing. Chronic suppurative otitis media, an ear infection that doesn't go away with the usual treatments.This makes children susceptible to new ear infections and may affect hearing.


Drain normal secretions from the middle ear.Regulate air pressure in the middle ear.The throat end of the tubes open and close to: The eustachian tubes are a pair of narrow tubes that run from each middle ear to high in the back of the throat, behind the nasal passages. This infection often results from another illness - cold, flu or allergy - that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes. The cochlea, a snail-shaped structure, is part of your inner ear.Īn ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. A narrow path called the eustachian tube joins the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper part of the throat. The eardrum keeps the bones away from the outer ear. The middle ear has three small bones - the hammer, or malleus the anvil, or incus and the stirrup, or stapes.

You observe a discharge of fluid, pus or bloody fluid from the ear.Your infant or toddler is sleepless or irritable after a cold or other upper respiratory infection.Symptoms are present in a child less than 6 months of age.It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Signs and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate several conditions. Trouble hearing or responding to soundsĬommon signs and symptoms in adults include:.Signs and symptoms common in children include: The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid.
