Ear Infections in Kids: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See an ENT
- Madeleine Herman
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
A Parent’s Guide from SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston
Dr. Madeleine Herman, MD
Ear infections are one of the most common reasons children visit the doctor—especially between ages 6 months and 5 years. While most infections are mild and temporary, some children develop frequent or severe ear infections that affect hearing, sleep, and even speech development.
At SCENT Houston, we help parents understand what’s normal, what’s not, and when it may be time to consider ENT care or ear tubes.
👂 What Is an Ear Infection?
A childhood ear infection—called acute otitis media—happens when fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes infected. Children are more susceptible because their eustachian tubes (the small drainage channels connected to the ear) are smaller, non-gravity dependent and easily clogged by swelling from:
Colds
Allergies
Sinus infections
Enlarged adenoids
When the space behind the eardrum fills with fluid, bacteria can grow and cause pain and inflammation.
🩺 Common Symptoms of Ear Infections
Children may experience:
Ear pain (often worse at night)
Fever
Fussiness or irritability
Tugging or pulling at the ear
Trouble sleeping
Decreased appetite
Temporary hearing difficulty
Drainage from the ear (if the eardrum ruptures)
Babies and toddlers often can’t verbalize pain—so behavioral clues matter.
🦠 What Causes Ear Infections?
Ear infections often occur after:
A cold or upper respiratory infection
Allergies
Exposure to daycare germs
Secondhand smoke
Bottle-feeding while lying down
Seasonal viral illnesses
Some children have anatomy or genetics that predispose them to infections.
🔄 Why Do Some Kids Get Repeated Ear Infections?
Some children experience a cycle of:
Cold →
Eustachian tube swelling →
Fluid buildup →
Infection →
Partial healing →
Fluid remains →
Another infection
This can lead to persistent fluid that affects hearing or balance.
Kids who get 3 infections in 6 months or 4 in a year may benefit from seeing an ENT for evaluation.
💊 How Ear Infections Are Treated
1. Observation (“watch and wait”)
Many ear infections resolve without antibiotics—especially if symptoms are mild.
2. Antibiotics
Prescribed when infections are bacterial or symptoms are severe.
3. Pain relief
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with discomfort.
4. Treating underlying causes
Allergies, chronic congestion, or enlarged adenoids may need treatment too.
🟣 When to See an ENT Specialist
You should consider an ENT evaluation if your child experiences:
Frequent ear infections (3 in 6 months or 4 in 12 months)
Persistent middle ear fluid lasting > 3 months
Hearing difficulties
Delayed speech or unclear speech
Balance problems
Severe or recurrent pain
Eardrum perforation
Sleep disruption from discomfort
These signs indicate that medical treatment alone may not be enough.
👶 What About Ear Tubes?
Ear tubes (tympanostomy tubes) are tiny, painless ventilation tubes placed in the eardrum to help fluid drain and prevent infections.
Children benefit from ear tubes when they have:
Frequent ear infections
Chronic fluid affecting hearing
Recurrent pain or fevers
Speech delay linked to hearing problems
The procedure is quick, safe, and highly effective, with most children returning to normal activity the same day.
🧸 How SCENT Houston Helps
At SCENT Houston, we provide:
Gentle pediatric ENT evaluations
Ear exams and same-day appointments
Management of recurrent infections
Ear tube procedures for children
Allergy and sinus evaluations when needed
Our goal is to help your child hear clearly, sleep well, and stay healthy.
💙 Concerned About Your Child’s Ear Infections?
We’re here to help.
⭐ SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of HoustonServing Memorial, Tanglewood, Houston, Katy & The Woodlands
📞 Call us today to schedule a pediatric ENT visit