About ear problems in children
Babies and young children are especially prone to middle ear infections, known as otitis media. In these infections, pus or fluid collects in the space behind the eardrum, causing pain and temporary hearing loss. Sometimes, the pressure causes the eardrum to burst, releasing the fluid and relieving pain. Fortunately, burst eardrums usually heal on their own.
While many ear infections improve without treatment, doctors may prescribe antibiotics for more severe cases.
Symptoms of middle ear infections
Around four out of five children will experience at least one middle ear infection. Common symptoms include:
Earache
Headache
Fever
Discharge from the ear
Temporary hearing loss
Difficulty sleeping
Loss of appetite
Hearing loss
During an infection, fluid prevents sound from traveling properly, making speech sound muffled — like a whisper. This hearing loss is temporary and resolves once the infection clears.
However, frequent infections can affect a child’s speech development, as they may struggle to hear properly during crucial learning periods.
Link to colds
Middle ear infections are often caused by bacteria or viruses and can follow a cold.
Babies and young children are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing. By age six, infections become less common since the Eustachian tube (which connects the nose to the middle ear) has matured.
How to reduce the risk
You can help prevent ear infections by:
Limiting day care exposure — more contact with other children increases the chance of colds.
Breastfeeding — it provides stronger immunity than bottle feeding. Also, avoid propping a bottle while the baby lies flat, as this can allow milk to enter the Eustachian tube and increase infection risk.
Avoiding smoke exposure — passive smoking is a known risk factor.
Treatment
Mild infections usually resolve on their own within a few hours. Over-the-counter pain relief can help keep your child comfortable.
In more severe cases, antibiotics or ear drops may be prescribed.
Glue ear
Sometimes after an infection, the middle ear fills with thick fluid — a condition called glue ear.
If this fluid doesn’t clear with antibiotics, a minor surgical procedure may be needed. A small cut is made in the eardrum, and a tiny tube called a grommet is inserted to help drain fluid. In some cases, an injection of strong antibiotics is used. Glue ear tends to become less common as children get older.
Earwax build-up
Sometimes, excess earwax can block the ear canal and affect hearing.
Doctors can gently flush out the wax using warm water (ear syringing).
Where to get help
Your GP (doctor)
Your pharmacist
An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist
Your maternal and child health service