Can Ear Tubes Treat Kids' Ear Infections?

March 4, 2022

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons why children and toddlers visit the doctor’s office—second only to the common cold. In fact, five out of six children are likely to experience a middle ear infection before their third birthday.

 

Children have shorter, narrower, and more horizontal eustachian tubes, which makes it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter their middle ear. Moreover, their immune system is underdeveloped and not fully equipped to fight infections.

 

Fortunately, ear infections are easily treatable. In cases of chronic ear infection, where the kid experiences frequent infections, the pediatric ENT specialist may suggest ear tubes.

 

Keep reading to learn more about pediatric ear infections and how ear tubes can help reduce the frequency of infection in chronic cases.

Symptoms of Ear Infections in Kids

The most obvious sign of ear infections is a pain in and around the ears. If you have a younger child who cannot communicate their discomfort to you, there are still some signs you can watch out for.

 

●     Tugging or Pulling Their Ear

●     Trouble Sleeping

●     More Crying Than Usual

●     Very Irritable

●     Fever, Especially in Younger Children

●     Balance Loss

●     Fluid Draining from the Ear

●     Difficulty Hearing

●     Not Responding to Their Name or Other Auditory Cues

 

If your child has a high fever, severe pain, or pus-like discharge from the ears, take them to an experienced ENT doctor immediately.

How Are Ear Infections Treated?

If the ear infection is caused by bacteria, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. In cases where the symptoms are mild, the ENT specialist may even suggest you wait for a few days to see if the infection clears up on its own.

 

The problem arises when ear infections are chronic or if the fluid in the middle ear remains there for months after the infection has cleared up. In these cases, your doctor may recommend ear tubes. Moreover, you can also consider ear tubes if your child experiences four or more infections in a month, had ear infections that were difficult to treat with antibiotics, or had hearing loss from fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

How Do Ear Tubes Work?

Eustachian tubes provide natural ventilation for your ears, stabilize air pressure, and drain fluid. When inflammation or mucus buildup disrupts their functioning, a small metal or plastic tube (ear tube) is inserted into a hole in your eardrum.

 

This tube provides an alternative path for airflow into and out of your ear, balancing air pressure and allowing the ear to drain better. This leads to reduced bacterial and viral growth in your middle ear and less frequent infections.

 

There are two basic kinds of ear tubes:

 

  • Short Term Tubes
    As the name suggests, these tubes are only intended for a short period, usually between six months to a year. They will eventually fall out of your ears without professional help.

 

  • Long Term Tubes
    These tubes are designed to stay in place for a long time. Though they may fall out on their own, there are cases where you have to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist to remove them.

An experienced ENT specialist will be able to tell you which type is the best option for your child. Also, don’t forget to ask your doctor any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure.

 

If your child is suffering from frequent ear infections, contact a specialist today to learn more about your treatment options.

A teenage boy with hearing problems is using a hearing aid.

How Do I Know If I Need a Hearing Aid?

March 3, 2025
Hearing is something we often don't think about until it becomes a problem. For some people, changes in hearing happen slowly and can be hard to notice at first. So, how can you tell if you might need a hearing aid? Here are some signs to look for and what to do if you think your hearing might not be as sharp as it used to be.
A woman is experiencing Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

When to Consult an ENT Specialist for Thyroid Disorder Symptoms

February 10, 2025
Thyroid disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, plays an integral role in regulating the body's metabolism, energy production, and overall health. When something goes wrong with the thyroid, it can lead to a range of symptoms that may affect various bodily functions. Recognizing these symptoms early helps manage the condition effectively.
Surgeons operating sinus tumors

What to Expect During Sinus Tumor Surgery

January 24, 2025
Sinus tumors can develop in the nasal cavity or the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the skull that connect to the nose. Surgery is often recommended to remove the tumor and prevent it from causing further complications. The exact nature of the surgery depends on the location, size, and type of tumor and whether it has spread
A black and white photo of a bald man wearing glasses and hearing aid

How Hearing Aids Can Help with Hearing Loss

January 7, 2025
Hearing is essential to our daily lives, connecting us to conversations, experiences, and the world around us. For most people, it can take a while to recognize a hearing problem and take appropriate action. The sooner you take action, the more it helps you. If you’ve been wondering whether hearing aids might be right for you, understanding the signs of hearing loss can help you make that decision and start taking appropriate action.
A woman in a white sweater suffering from blocked ears is looking down with her eyes closed.

How to Unblock an Ear During a Cold

December 28, 2024
A blocked ear is a common problem during or after a cold. It can make hearing muffled, cause discomfort, and sometimes lead to dizziness. This happens because colds can affect the eustachian tube, a small canal connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. When the tube becomes inflamed or clogged with mucus, it disrupts the normal pressure in the ear, causing that blocked feeling. If you’re dealing with this, here’s how to address it safely and effectively.
A woman is laying in bed blowing her nose into a napkin.

How Long Do Sinus Infections Last?

December 10, 2024
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become swollen or inflamed. This inflammation can cause blockages and lead to nasal congestion, facial pain, pressure, and a stuffy nose. The infection can be triggered by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or allergens. Knowing how long it lasts and the factors influencing its duration can help individuals manage their symptoms effectively.
A woman is sitting on a couch wrapped in a blanket.

Effective Remedies to Relieve a Sore Throat

November 29, 2024
A sore throat can be irritating and uncomfortable, making simple actions like swallowing or talking challenging. It often accompanies colds, flu, and allergies, causing pain and inflammation in the throat. The good news is that there are effective, simple remedies that can bring relief.
A woman is covering her ears while a man snores in the background.

How to Stop Snoring

November 12, 2024
Snoring is more than just a nighttime issue; it can indicate something is wrong with your body. Many people may brush it off as a harmless habit, but for some, snoring can disrupt sleep patterns, lead to daytime fatigue, and even strain relationships. Moreover, it can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions like sleep apnea. Understanding the reasons behind snoring and finding effective ways to address it can make a big difference in sleep quality and overall well-being.
portrait of a woman experiencing dizziness

How Do You Know If Dizziness Is Serious?

October 29, 2024
Dizziness is something almost everyone experiences at some point. It refers to a sensation of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling like the world is spinning. It can have many causes, from dehydration to anxiety or even changes in your inner ear. Though uncomfortable, dizziness usually resolves on its own. However, sometimes it can be a sign of a more significant problem.
A doctor is examining a man 's ear with an otoscope.

How To Relieve an Ear Infection

October 15, 2024
Ear infections are common and can cause significant discomfort. They often occur when bacteria or viruses infect the middle ear, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup. While most of them are not serious, they can be painful and disruptive. Knowing how to relieve an ear infection can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.
More Posts
Share by: