Your child's doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, a pain reliever, or both, depending on the type of ear infection. Middle ear infections, or otitis media, are common in young children. They often begin when bacteria and viruses that cause sore throats and colds spread to one or both ears. Although adults can get ear infections, children age 3 years and younger get them more often.
Some ear infections are more severe than others.
Ear infections often run in families, so genetics play a role. The American Academy of Pediatrics says children are more likely to have repeated ear infections if a parent or sibling also had repeated ear infections. One study linked a decrease in babies' pacifier use with a decrease in ear infections. The researchers recommended that, beginning at age 6 months, parents restrict pacifiers to the moments when a child is falling asleep. They further suggested ending pacifier use after age 10 months.