After the common cold, ear infections rank high as a common illness in the infant and toddler population. There are several different kinds of ear infections. In spite of the fact the ear has very small and delicate structures that get involved in ear infections, most cases resolve with no permanent damage. However, the longer an infection continues or the more often they happen the more likely permanent damage is.
Hearing is usually somewhat compromised during an ear infection.
This includes the ear drum and the small bones in the middle ear. Ear infections are often associated with a cold or allergy that might make more mucus in the middle ear. Ear infections are not contagious, but the often associated cold can be passed from one child to another. Some children are prone to ear infections. Other people may go a life time without an ear infection.