Ear infection is a common health issue for babies and toddlers caused by the effects of viruses and bacteria. Medication and proper care are required for curing the hearing issue. In this blog, the cause, symptoms, and treatment are highlighted, and their impact on the babies has also been included.
What is an ear infection?
The ear infections in babies are known as Acute Otitis Media, a condition where inflammation occurs in the middle ear, caused by bacteria or a virus. The middle ear consists of a space filled with air between the eardrum and the inner ear and three bones. The bones transmit the vibration of a sound to the inner ear from the eardrum. Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the throat and prevent the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. If the Eustachian tube fails to work properly, there can be a risk of infection because of the middle ear fluid.
Causes of ear infection
Ear infections in babies are usually caused by the effect of a virus and bacteria. If you have a cold, sore throat, or any type of upper respiratory infection, it may lead to an ear infection. Through the Eustachian tube, the germs pass to the middle ear from the throat, and it causes swallowing in the tube. This inflammation leads to the malfunction of the Eustachian tube and blocks the middle ear fluid.
Symptoms of ear infections in babies
The following symptoms indicate your baby is suffering from an ear infection:
- Pain around the ears
- Fever with high temperature can be a sign of an ear infection.
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- A feeling of blockage or pressure in the ears
- Facing difficulties hearing sounds
Why do babies suffer more from ear infections than adults?
Ear infections are more common in babies and toddlers than in adults. The reasons are as follows:
- The Eustachian tube of babies is smaller than that of adults, as it is underdeveloped.
- Babies can be affected easily compared to adults.
- The immune system is still developing, so it is hard to protect against such infections.
Impact of ear infections in babies
Several complications are associated with ear infections in babies, but these did not lead to any long-term health issues. The complications are:
Delay in speech development
Hearing is essential for speech development as well as to learn languages. Sometimes an ear infection may lead to a delay in the speech development of babies.
Spread of Ear Infection
An untreated ear infection leads to the spread of infection in the bones of the ears, and it can even affect the membrane of your brain as well as the spinal cord.
Loss of hearing
During an ear infection, temporary hearing loss is a common issue. If your baby gets an ear infection repeatedly, it may lead to severe hearing difficulties.
Damage to the eardrum
The eardrum can be torn as the infection develops, and this condition can be found in 5%to 10% babies. In most cases, it is cured with time; if there is no improvement, surgery will be suggested.
Treatment to cure an ear infection
Ear infections in babies are cured with time in some cases, but doctors may prescribe some medication after assessing the condition.
If your baby is under 6 months
Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to babies under 6 months of age with ear infections. There is no proven advantage of avoiding antibiotics at this age. An untreated infection leads to severe complications as the bacteria will spread to other parts of the ear.
If your baby is between 6 months and 2 years
As per the recommendation of AAP( American Academy of Pediatrics, your health care provider will discuss with you before the treatment for curing an ear infection that is not mild. You will be advised to wait for 2 to 3 days. If the infection increases during this period, then the doctor will recommend antibiotics.
If your baby’s age is above 2 years
For children at the age of 2 years, an ear infection is prescribed to take medicines to cure pain, and don’t suggest any other medicine before 2-3 days. If no improvement can be found, then the doctor will suggest taking antibiotics.
Some children suffer from severe ear infections or repeated infections before the age of six, which can sometimes be cured after undergoing a surgical procedure.
Consulting with a pediatrician is essential if you notice some signs of infection in your baby’s ear. You can contact an experienced audiologist at Aural Care, a trusted hearing care clinic in Kolkata. Our team of different doctors and specialists provides complete care to your babies by offering a proper diagnosis and treatment. We are here to provide the best treatment and hearing solution to restore your hearing to what it was before.
Conclusion
Ear infection may develop among babies and toddlers between the ages of six months and 2 years. Following the signs and symptoms of ear infection, including pain, fever, and hearing difficulties, is necessary to cure the issue at an early stage. In most cases, an ear infection is cured with time, but to treat a severe issue, surgery is needed. The factors responsible for the ear infection have been discussed here briefly. The treatment and effects of this infection are also focused here.
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