This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
Ear Infections in Children: Causes, Complications, and Treatment ¶
Published on October 4, 2019, by Dr. Mukuhi Ng'ang'a.
Ear infections are a common problem in children under seven, with most cases resolving without long-term complications. However, some ear infections can be challenging and may lead to complications such as hearing loss, balance problems, and tearing of the eardrum.
According to Dr. Mukuhi Ng'ang'a, ear infections can cause fluid accumulation inside the ear, leading to difficulty in hearing. This can result in several other problems, including difficulties speaking, problems reading, poor attention span, poor learning ability, and inability to perform day-to-day activities independently.
While it is rare for children to develop permanent hearing loss, even with several ear infections, permanent hearing loss occurs when the delicate structures inside the ear (bones, nerves) are damaged.
Other complications of ear infections include balance problems, tearing of the eardrum, and rare cases of the infection spreading to the bones around the ear and even the brain.
Most clinicians are quick to prescribe antibiotics, but most ear infections do not need to be treated with them. They clear up on their own with the use of painkillers. Antibiotics are only prescribed if the ear infection does not improve after three days, if the child is less than two years and has an infection in both ears, or if the child has a medical condition that may impair their immunity or put them at increased risk of complications.
Adenoids and ear infections are also linked, as enlarged adenoids can block the opening of the Eustachian tube, leading to recurrent ear problems. If your child has enlarged adenoids, talk to your doctor about surgically removing them to help deal with recurrent ear problems.
Other factors that can contribute to ear infections include nasal blockage, allergies, and sinusitis. Cleft palate and vaccination status can also play a role in the frequency of ear infections.
If your child is having recurrent ear infections or if the infection has failed to respond to treatment and is causing hearing loss, they may require surgery. A tympanostomy, which involves inserting a small tube through the eardrum to allow fluid to freely drain from the ear and normalize internal ear pressures, can be an effective treatment.
To help avoid inner ear infections, keep your child away from smoky environments, make sure they are up to date with vaccinations, and teach them good hand hygiene habits to prevent common communicable ear, nose, and throat infections.
Visit an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who will assess your child's ears and take a detailed medical history. They will also assess your child for possible blockages such as enlarged adenoids and provide guidance on the best course of treatment.
