Ear infections are a common childhood ailment, particularly in the cooler months when colds, flu, allergies, and other respiratory issues are more prevalent. These conditions can lead to a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum, causing inflammation. For infants with allergies, parents may receive specific recommendations from doctors to address ear infections. During routine well-child visits, silent ear infections—where the child shows no obvious symptoms—may be diagnosed. Children might exhibit signs such as ear rubbing, sleep disturbances, clumsiness, muffled hearing, or speech and language delays.

Another type of ear infection is swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, which affects the outer ear canal and is often caused by moisture that encourages bacterial growth. While this is more common in those who frequently swim, it can also affect others, with Harvard Health noting that medicated eardrops are a typical treatment.

According to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, middle ear infections, or otitis media, are the most common bacterial illness in children. Symptoms may include ear pain, fever, congestion, and headaches. It’s important for parents to recognize the signs of an ear infection, as ear pain, irritability, and fever in a child can indicate the condition, which, while not contagious itself, often follows a contagious cold.

The UC Davis Health podcast ‘Kids Considered’ discusses ear infections in depth, including the anatomy of the ear and reasons why children are more susceptible to them. By understanding these factors, parents can better manage and prevent ear infections in their children.