Ear infections in kiddos are incredibly common, especially during their toddler and preschool years. But when your child seems to get one ear infection after another, it can feel exhausting and a little worrying.
A recurring ear infection doesn’t necessarily mean something serious is wrong, but it’s worth paying attention to the patterns. With the right care, most children outgrow frequent ear infections. Others may need extra support from their pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
Below, we’ll look at why kids get ear infections so often, how you can help prevent infections, and when you might want to ask your pediatrician about ear tubes.
Why Do Kids Get Ear Infections So Often?
Children are more prone to ear infections because their eustachian tubes, which help drain fluid from the middle ear, are smaller and more horizontal than an adult’s. When a child has a cold or general congestion, fluid can build up behind the eardrum, creating the perfect environment for infection.
Ear infections often happen after a respiratory illness, so your child might go from a runny nose to ear pain within a few days. Common signs include ear tugging, fussiness, trouble sleeping, fever, fluid draining from the ear, temporary hearing changes, or complaints of ear pain.
When Is an Ear Infection Considered “Recurring”?
A recurring ear infection usually means a child has had several infections in a short period. Doctors may become concerned if a child has three or more ear infections in six months, or four or more within a year.
That doesn’t automatically mean your child needs a procedure or specialist care. But it does mean your pediatrician might want to explore the root cause of the infections and whether fluid is staying behind the eardrum between episodes.
What Should Parents Do During an Ear Infection?
If your child has an ear infection, it’s always best to contact your pediatrician. Some mild ear infections can improve on their own, and the CDC notes that a provider may recommend “watchful waiting” for 2–3 days in certain cases before starting antibiotics.
In the meantime, your child’s doctor may recommend pain relief, fluids, rest, and close monitoring. Remember: Never put anything in your child’s ear unless your pediatrician specifically tells you to, especially if there’s drainage or a possible ruptured eardrum.
How Can You Help Prevent Ear Infections?
Not every ear infection can be prevented, but there are a few habits that can help reduce the risk. If your child is prone to frequent ear infections, it doesn’t hurt to implement them!
- Try to limit exposure to secondhand smoke, which can irritate the airways and increase the chance of infections.
- Encourage good handwashing, especially during cold and flu season.
- Keep your child up to date on recommended vaccines, including flu and pneumococcal.
- If your child has allergies, talk with your pediatrician about whether better allergy control could help reduce congestion and fluid buildup.
- For babies, feeding in a more upright position and avoiding bottle-feeding while lying flat can help.
When Should You Ask About Ear Tubes?
If your child has frequent ear infections or ongoing fluid behind the eardrum, your pediatrician may refer you to an ENT specialist. Ear tubes may be considered for some children with recurrent infections, especially when fluid is present or when hearing is affected. Current specialty guidance focuses on carefully selecting the right patients, rather than placing tubes for every child with recurrent infections.
If fluid has been present for a while or if your child’s speech, language, or listening seems affected, your provider may recommend a hearing test.
Ear Infections: When to Call Your Pediatrician
Call your pediatrician if your child has:
- Severe ear pain
- A high fever
- Ear drainage
- Symptoms that are not improving
- Recurrent infections
- Any signs of hearing difficulty
You should also reach out if your baby is under 6 months old and you suspect an ear infection.
Consult With Our Team About Ear Infections
Recurring ear infections can be stressful, but they aren’t cause for alarm. For pediatricians, they’re a routine occurrence, and they have years of experience assessing and treating not only the symptoms but also their root causes.
Our pediatric team can help identify patterns, safely treat infections, and determine whether your child needs additional care. If your child is experiencing recurring ear infections, get in touch with Plymouth Pediatric Associates at (508) 746-5900, today!
