If your child has had recurrent middle ear infections it is important that their hearing is monitored.

Middle ear infection and grommets – www.mydr.com.au

Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infections

Middle ear infections, also known as otitis media, are an inflammation of the middle ear. The inflammation often begins as a result of the same infection that causes colds, sore throats and respiratory infections. This infection then spreads to the middle ear. The infection may be either bacterial or viral.

Middle ear infections are particularly common in the first 2 years of a child’s life. Young children are most at risk because the tube that connects the middle ear and throat (Eustachian tube) are tiny. As a result germs from the throat and nose can travel to the middle ear. If the Eustachian tube becomes blocked the fluid that builds up in the middle ear cannot drain effectively into the throat.

Before the onset of the ear infection the child typically has had a cold. Frequently the cold does develop with yellow or green mucous from their upper respiratory infection. The child may then present with some of the following symptoms

• Unusual irritability or fussiness
• Tantrums
• Difficulty sleeping
• Waking frequently at night
• Waking crying or with screams of pain
• Pulling on one or both ears
• Putting their finger in their ears
• Fever
• Perforation of the ear drum resulting in drainage of fluid, pus and / or blood
• Offensive smell from the ear (after perforation of ear drum)
• Clumsiness / loss of balance
• Difficulty hearing soft sounds

Treatment of Ear Infections

Previously the use of antibiotics was frequently prescribed for the treatment of ear infections. However in most cases this is not required. Recent research has shown that in many cases the ear infection clears up in the same time with or without antibiotics.

However if your child is very unwell or very young antibiotics may be required to treat the ear infection and it is advised the child be seen by a doctor. If your child is experiencing pain the use of paracetamol may provide relief.

Grommets

If a child has recurrent middle ear infections or ‘glue-ear’ your Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist may recommend grommets are inserted into the eardrum. These tubes help fluid drain from the middle ear.

If your child has had recurrent middle ear infections it is important that their hearing is monitored. If you notice that your child is not responding to noises in their environment (e.g. turning the TV up) or isn’t responding to their name it may indicate they have a hearing impairment. This can be done through a referral to an audiologist for a hearing assessment.

More Information

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