Ear infections in children Ear infections in children Ten million children a year suffer from ear infections in the United States.
Ear infections are usually a complication of a cold or virus.
The eustachian tube becomes clogged with mucus and the pressure in the ear rises and the ear becomes infected. There are treatments to make a child with an ear infection more comfortable and how to prevent them in the future. Ear infections are most common in children under the are of three because the eustachian tube is so small. The shape and direction of the eustachian tube in infants is more horizontal than vertical and this makes drainage difficult. Fluids collect and block the eustachian tube and this will contribute to the growth of bacteria in the ear.