Pediatricians diagnose about 15 million cases[1] of ear infections each year. If your child is prone to frequent ear infections, chances are they’ll have fewer as they age.
How Aging Affects Ear Infection Frequency
Ear infections are particularly common among young children because their Eustachian tubes—the thin canals responsible for draining fluid from the ears —are smaller. When the tubes get inflamed, the fluid can’t drain as effectively and may become infected.
The good news is that as your little one grows into a not-so-little one, their Eustachian tubes will grow with them. The larger the tubes are, the more effectively they’ll be able to drain fluid. About 83% of kids will get an ear infection by their third birthday,[2] and the infections will, ideally, reduce with every passing year.
A few ways you can reduce your child’s risk of an ear infection when they’re young include:
- Breastfeed for the first six months to two years
- Hold your child in an upright position when bottle-feeding
- Vaccinate your child (other childhood illnesses can contribute to the likelihood of ear infections)
When Do Ear Infections Warrant ENT Help?
If your child gets frequent or severe ear infections, they might benefit from ear tubes—thin canals that help the Eustachian tubes drain fluid. The tubes may reduce your child’s ear infection frequency and severity.
If your child does develop an ear infection, it will likely go away on its own. We treat long-lasting ear infections with antibiotics and pain relievers. A severe ear infection can rupture the eardrum, which may require a medicated patch to treat. If you notice white or yellow fluid leaking from your child’s ear, call us at ENT for Children to schedule an ear exam.
If your child develops severe ear pain or a fever over 104 degrees (100.5 for children under three years old), call their Coppell or Southlake pediatrician.
[1] Cleveland Clinic. (2026). Ear infection (otitis media). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8613-ear-infection-otitis-media
[2] National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2022). Ear infections in children. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children