The most common infection in babies and small children are ear infections. The otitis media or the middle ear is the most common place for an infection to occur. Generally, the tubes that are located inside the ear become clogged with fluid and mucus which causes hearing problems because sound cannot pass through the clog. There are ear infections treatments.

Signs of an infection

• Pulling on the ears

• Crying more than ordinary

• Draining from the ear

• Fussing at night and can't sleep

• Equilibrium or balancing problems

• Can't hear

Treatment Options

• In most cases, ear infections go away on their own; a mild over-the-counter pediatric pain medication is all that is required.

• For more chronic infections an antibiotic may be necessary.

• Tubes may be needed if your child gets numerous infections and this does require surgery. The tubes will relieve the pressure in the ears allowing your child to hear again.

Ear Tube Surgery

Tubes are inserted in the ears and it is done as an outpatient and a general anesthetic is used. Using a surgical microscope with a small scalpel, a tiny incision is made in the ear drum to drain the fluid and place the tube. Ear drops are used after the ear tube is placed and may be required for a few days. The procedure takes less than 15 minutes with the patient waking up shortly thereafter.

Risks

• Perforation

• Scarring

• Infection

• Tubes that fall out early will enable fluid to return into the ear and tubes that stay in too long can become perforated.

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