The symptoms of otitis media may resemble other conditions or medical problems, such as ear ache caused by teething, or blocked eustachian tubes from colds or allergies. Consult a pediatrician for a diagnosis. There are certain factors that seem to increase the incidence of otitis media in some children. Cold and allergy medications do not appear to prevent otitis media. This does not prevent future infections but does help preserve hearing.
Most children usually stop having multiple ear infections by the time they are about four years old.
The otoscope is a lighted instrument that allows the physician to see inside the ear. A pneumatic otoscope may be used to blow a puff of air into the ear to test eardrum movement. A hearing test may be performed for children who have frequent ear infections, hearing loss that lasts more than six weeks, or fluid in the middle ear for more than three months. All rights reserved. All information is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.