Health Library

Ear Infections (Middle Ear Infections or Otitis Media)

What Causes Middle Ear Infections?

Otitis media is caused by bacteria, a virus, or a fungus. Ear infections are common when a child has a cold or upper respiratory tract infection.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Middle Ear Infections?

Signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection are:

• Fever
• Fussiness
• Trouble sleeping
• Less interest in eating and drinking
• Pain or tugging at the ear
• Balance problems
• Sometimes fluid draining from the ear
• Difficulty hearing

How are Middle Ear Infections Treated?

Ear infections are often treated with an oral antibiotic.

Some ear infections get better without antibiotics. If your child is over 2 years old, the doctor may ask you to watch for a few days and only start antibiotics if the signs and symptoms are getting worse. Over the counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain and fever.

Your doctor will refer you to a specialist known as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor if your child’s ear infections are not going away with treatment or keep coming back.

Some children need surgery to put a small ventilation tube (tiny hollow tubes also known as ear tube or PET) in the eardrum. This helps air flow and lets the fluid drain out. The tubes often stay in the ear drums for six to 18 months. Some children still get ear infections even with the ear tubes in place.

Your child will follow up with the ENT doctor until the ear tubes fall out and until the ear drums have healed.

Call Your Child's Doctor If:

• Your child has any of the signs and symptoms of a middle ear infection
• Your child develops swelling or redness to the ear or around the ear