Ear Infections and Tubes

Ear infections are one of the most common diseases in children and occur most often between the ages of four months and five years. An infection occurs when excess fluid, often as a result of a cold, becomes trapped by the swollen Eustachian tubes and becomes infected by bacteria. This fluid pushes against the eardrum, which causes pain and can even lead to a rupture. While most ear infections will resolve, some children have fluid which is constantly present.

When this occurs, the fluid causes reduced hearing and can become infected whenever there is a cold or nasal congestion. A possible solution to persistent fluid is the placement of tubes which can act like the Eustachian tubes, allowing air in and out of the middle ear, preventing the accumulation of fluid and ear infections.