Ear infections are a common problem in children. Ninety percent of children will have at least one infection before the age of six, half before their first birthday.   Ear infections are the most common reason antibiotics are prescribed to children. However, ear infections are rare in older children and adults. Why? 

Young children develop ear infections and fluid in the ear because their Eustachian tube is not well developed. The Eustachian tube is a tiny tube that connects the middle ear (the area behind the ear drum) to the back of the nose. It allows air into the middle ear and allows fluid and infection to drain out. In young children, this tube may be very small and may not yet be functioning properly. If that is the case, your child will develop recurrent ear infections or fluid in the ear, which may cause a hearing disturbance. If your child suffers from frequent ear infections (more than 3 in 6 months or 4 in 1 year) or has persistent fluid in the ear, you should ask your pediatrician about seeing an expert in Pediatric Ear, Nose and Throat disorders to have their ears and hearing checked. Some children will benefit from having tubes placed in the ear drum to temporarily do the job of the Eustachian tube.