Preventing Ear Infections in Young Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 1990 and 1995 there was a 224 percent increase of otitis media (i.e., middle ear inflammation or irritation). Every year 24.5 million people visit their doctor or health care provider because of an ear infection. While ear infections are the most frequent primary diagnosis reported by physicians for children under 15, such infections are most common in children under the age of two and children between the ages of four and six years. Almost all children experience one or more ear infections before their sixth birthday, and the number of ear infections continues to increase each year. Why be concerned about ear infections in young children? Because they are often associated with mild hearing loss and present a risk factor for impaired speech and language learning.

Because of the immature structure and functioning of the eustachian tube connecting the middle ear space to the nose, children are more susceptible than adults to ear infections. Environmental factors play a large role in ear infections.

The following five tips will help you prevent ear infections in children:
· Do not bottle-feed babies on their backs.
· Avoid being around people who smoke.
· Treat colds, sinus infections, and allergies early.
· Avoid forceful nose blowing during colds.
· Get surgical treatment of tonsil and adenoidal disease if required.

Also, the American Pediatric Association has noted that babies who are breastfed have less common occurrences of otitis media. The APA recommends breastfeeding for the first year of life.

Traditionally, the only way to distinguish an ear infection from a common cold, flu, or runny nose was by waiting until a full-blown ear infection developed. Now products such as EasyEar, a professional-quality ear scope, can help parents and early childhood educators know what to tell the doctor when they call. EasyEar is a non-invasive, simple-to-use tool that shows at a glance whether a child’s ear is infected or not. The scope comes complete with two “AA” batteries; six detachable ear tips; and a detailed, step-by-step manual. For more information call 800-EASY-EAR.

(Taken from an article by David Marty, M.D. in Early Childhood News, May/June 1997, p.19.)