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What is a ‘middle ear’ infection?��

- One of the most common infections that occur in children.��

- By school age most children would have had an infection, and it becomes less common as they get older.��

- An infection of the middle ear: air filled space behind the ear drum, which contains the vibrating bones of the ear we hear with.��

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What do we need to look out for?��

- Often starts with a cold.��

- Tube that drains the middle ear to the back of throat becomes blocked.��

- Middle ear fills up with fluid and can become infected with viruses or bacteria.��

- Symptoms include pain in the ear, temperatures, headaches, and trouble hearing.��

- Babies may cry a lot, pull at their ears, stop feeding, or be irritable.��

- Drum may burst and discharge fluid from the ear��

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How is it diagnosed?��

- Your doctor will look into the ear with a magnifier called an otoscope.��

- They’ll look at the drum and see if it’s infected behind the drum.��

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How do we treat it?��

- Most middle ear infections will clear themselves after four days.��

- Simple pain relief such as paracetamol or brufen is used for symptom control, fluids, many cases don’t need antibiotics.��

- With severe symptoms such as fever or vomiting, they’re more likely to use antibiotics.��

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Where there is risk of complications: ��

- Those younger than 2 years, Māori/pacific children, or underlying medical conditions.��

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Any long term concerns?��

- Recurrent infection or can develop glue ear: thick mucus that won’t clear behind the drum.��

- Can interfere with hearing.��

- You may need to see an ear specialist to insert a grommet or drain.��

- If you have hearing concerns, see your GP.��

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