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Many children, especially those between the ages of 6 months and 6 years, get middle ear infections (otitis media). Children who attend day care are particularly susceptible, while older children experience ear infections less frequently. Ear infections are relatively easy to treat. Most of the time if the ear is inflamed and painful, your child's doctor will prescribe medication - generally an antibiotic. If your child has had multiple, resistant ear infections that aren't getting better, or has evidence of hearing loss or speech delay, your doctor may suggest ear tube surgery (tympanostomy tubes). Approximately 2 million tympanostomy tubes are placed in children in the United States yearly.

Otitis Media
Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. The middle ear is a grape-sized, air-filled cavity located behind the eardrum. When the eardrum vibrates, tiny bones in the middle ear also vibrate and transmit the sound signals to the inner ear, where nerves relay the signals to the brain. A small tube like tunnel called the Eustachian tube serves to equalize the air pressure between the outside world and the middle ear. When your ears "pop" while yawning or swallowing, your Eustachian tubes are adjusting the air pressure in your middle ear.

Bacteria and viruses can enter the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. The resulting infection, particularly if it is a bacterial infection, causes the middle ear to fill with fluid and sometimes pus. Pressure from this buildup pushes on the eardrum, causing pain. Because the eardrum cannot vibrate, your child may experience a temporary hearing loss. With treatment, a bacterial source of infection is stopped and your child's hearing is quickly restored. Without proper treatment, however, chronic ear infections can lead to long-term damage of the eardrum or the bones of the middle ear, and even permanent hearing impairment. Even temporary periods of hearing loss in young children can cause delays in speech development and learning.

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