Few things tug at a parent’s heart like seeing their child in pain—especially when it’s the familiar pattern of another ear infection. It starts with the sniffles, then comes the cough, the ear tugging, the fever, the tears—usually in the middle of the night. When the ear infection strikes, say goodbye to a good night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, these infections are more than just a short-term hassle. In fact, five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by age three. And frequent infections can cause more than just crankiness:
- Behavioral changes: Pain and pressure can make kids fussy, withdrawn, or distracted.
- Social setbacks: Missed school or daycare—and trouble hearing peers—can stall social development.
- Speech and language delays: Even mild hearing loss from fluid can interfere with learning sounds.
- Learning struggles: Trouble hearing instructions or processing speech can affect classroom success.
At Minnesota ENT, we get it. These challenges are real—and we’re here to help you prevent them and keep your child (and your household!) feeling healthy and happy.
Why kids get ear infections more often
Children are more prone to ear infections—officially called otitis media—due to a few biological and environmental reasons:
- Tiny Eustachian tubes: In kids, these tubes (which connect the middle ear to the throat) are shorter and more horizontal, making it harder for fluid to drain properly.
- Developing immune systems: Young immune systems aren’t as strong at fighting off viruses and bacteria that can lead to infection.
- More exposure to germs: Kids in daycare or school environments are constantly swapping germs that lead to colds—and ear infections often follow.
“Preventing ear infections often comes down to minimizing factors that compromise Eustachian tube function and immune response. Simple lifestyle adjustments and preventative measures can go a long way in reducing both the frequency and severity of these infections.”
– Casey Fisher, DO, Minnesota ENT otolaryngologist
Tips to help prevent ear infections
While you can’t prevent every ear infection, these strategies can make a big difference:
- Wash hands often: Good hand hygiene helps stop the spread of colds and flu—the usual culprits behind ear infections.
- Stay up to date on vaccines: The flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine are important. In fact, the pneumococcal vaccine can prevent up to 15% of ear infections caused by pneumococcus.
- Avoid secondhand smoke: Smoke exposure increases both how often and how long ear infections last. Make your home and car smoke-free zones.
- Consider breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides protective antibodies that lower ear infection risk.
- Bottle-feed upright: Lying flat while feeding can let fluid flow into the ear, raising infection risk.
- Cut back on pacifier use: Especially after six months of age—particularly at nap or bedtime—can reduce infection risk.
- Limit exposure to illness: It’s not always possible, but keeping sick contacts at bay during cold and flu season can help.
If infections keep happening despite your best efforts, it might be time to talk to one of the specialists at Minnesota ENT.
When ear tubes might help
Sometimes, frequent ear infections are due to chronic fluid behind the eardrum that just won’t clear up. In these cases, we may recommend ear tubes (also called myringotomy tubes)—a safe and common solution.
Here’s how they help:
- What they are: Tiny, hollow cylinders placed through a small incision in the eardrum.
- How they work: They ventilate the middle ear, letting air in and fluid drain out.
- Why they help: Ear tubes can reduce infection frequency, restore hearing, and help prevent speech delays. Most fall out on their own in 6–18 months as the eardrum heals.
Don’t let repeat ear infections run your life. At Minnesota ENT, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your child—whether that’s lifestyle changes or a closer look at ear tubes—so you can get some sleep.
Schedule an appointment today.
- Call us: 763-233-5755
- Text us: 763-265-6087
- Message us via our one-click chat tool
Appointments available in Golden Valley, Maple Grove, and Robbinsdale