

(2015) Risk Factors of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children. Kids may also be at risk if they have certain medical conditions, such as:Ībo el-Magd, E. Have been exposed to radiation near the head and neck area.Bottle feed as opposed to breastfeeding.Kids may be more at risk for developing ear fluid if they: Higher chance of recurrent ear infection.Listening difficulties at school, which can sometimes be mistaken as attention disorders.What happens if ear fluid is left untreated? Your child could experience: Ear tubes are one of the most common pediatric surgeries performed in the United States.They create an opening or an airway in the eardrum, allowing fluid to drain and preventing future fluid buildup. Ear tubes (also known as ventilation tubes or pressure equalization tubes) are tiny cylinders that are inserted into the eardrum.If it persists, the ENT may recommend ear tubes. Often times, fluid will resolve on its own.Acute ear infections are usually treated with antibiotics.This is something that should be further discussed with the ENT specialist.

If fluid is present for more than three months and does not go away on its own, this is usually considered a chronic problem and you should ask for a referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. If your child fails a hearing screening at the pediatrician’s office and/or school, they may be referred to an audiologist. When should I do something about my child’s ear fluid? Many times your child may show no signs or symptoms. Difficulty hearing (if your child frequently says “what”, turns the volume up on the TV, etc.).What are the signs that my child has ear fluid? How common is ear fluid in children?Īpproximately 90% of children have ear fluid before they reach school age however, it often goes undetected.Īfter an ear infection has cleared, many kids will have fluid that can remain for weeks at a time and can sometimes become re-infected. Ear fluid can be caused by a cold, ear infection, everyday nasal congestion, Eustachian tube dysfunction or may even be unknown in origin.Īn ear infection (also known as acute otitis media) is an active infection that often presents with symptoms (such as ear pain, fever, inflammation) and requires medical treatment. Ear fluid occurs in the middle ear and is not caused by swimming and bathing. Middle ear fluid (also known as otitis media with effusion) is the presence of fluid in the middle ear without signs or symptoms of an ear infection. By Melanie Fruhner, AuD, FAAA Middle ear fluid versus an ear infection: What’s the difference?
