Many children, between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old, are prone to ear infections. While ear infections are easy to treat, some children have multiple ear infections that do not get well so easily – this raises concerns for hearing loss or speech delay. If this becomes a recurring problem, they may require ear tubes.

What causes an ear infection?
Bacteria or viruses can enter the middle ear and cause an infection – this can be a result of a child having a cold or respiratory infection. When the middle ear becomes infected, it may fill with fluid or pus causing pain.

Common symptoms of an ear infection in children are:
• Ear pain
• Irritability
• Tugging or pulling at ear
• Difficulty hearing

Procedure
Doctors place small tubes in the eardrums to ventilate the area and keep the pressure equalized in the middle ear. In 10-15 minutes, the surgeon will make a small hole in the eardrum to remove fluid from the middle ear and insert a small metal or plastic tube.

Doctors recommend the procedure for children who experience multiple ear infections. Often they also remove their tonsils because they can cause sinus infections. The tube usually falls out on its own as the eardrum heals, after about 6-18 months.

 If your child has chronic ear pain, they may need ear tubes, click here to scheduled your appointment with one of Premier Medical’s ENT physicians today.

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Resources :

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/dxc-20199484

http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/ear_infections.html

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ear_tubes/article_em.htm