Ear infections are one of the most common reasons why parents bring their little ones to the doctor. An ear infection, or otitis media, is the result of bacteria and fluid building up in the middle ear. Adults can get ear infections, but they are much more rampant in children. This is because a child’s eustachian tubes (the part of the ear that drains fluid) are smaller and nearly horizontal. In contrast, an adult’s eustachian tubes are angled towards the ground. As a result, bacteria and fluid can easily accumulate in a child’s tubes, resulting in an infection. Ear infections in children typically come with some telltale signs. Many parents report the following symptoms in their children when they visit our pediatricians. • Fever • Pulling at the ears • Fussiness or crying • Broken sleep • Difficulty hearing • Loss of balance • Congestion