Children under the age of three are particularly susceptible to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more prone to blockage. Additionally, children’s immune systems are not fully developed and are not strong enough to fight off all infections. Ear infections in children can be partly prevented by keeping them away from smoke and bacteria, never leaving them unsupervised with a bottle and testing for allergies.
In some cases, children with chronic ear infections may need ear tubes (also called tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes, or pressure equalization tubes.) These are small plastic or metal cylinders surgically inserted in the eardrum to keep the middle ear open and prevent fluid from accumulating. If your child suffers from frequent ear infections, schedule an appointment with an ENT today.