Ear Infections

Ear infections can occur in the middle ear or the ear canal. The ear canal is the tube that ends at the eardrum. When the ear canal is exposed to water from baths or swimming, the ear canal may become infected with bacteria and appear red and swollen. This is commonly called an outer ear infection, swimmer's ear or otitis externa. The middle ear is the area located just behind the eardrum (tympanic membrane). The infection of middle ear is known in medical term as an acute otitis media (AOM), and is often accompanied by viral upper respiratory infection.

Middle ear infections are the number one reason for healthcare center visits by children under age 15. Over half of American children experience ear infections before their first birthday. By age 3, about 70% to 80% of all children have had at least one ear infection. Almost half of children under age 3 who get an ear infection get another one at some time. Acute otitis media often accompanies respiratory infections since the child's Eustachian tube is shorter than an adult's, and this shorter tube forms a perfect pathway for bacteria and viruses to find their way to the middle ear. <Read More>