Ear Infections and Hearing Loss in Children: Effects and Prevention

Children are more vulnerable to middle ear infections known as otitis media. This is when fluid builds up in the ear canal behind the eardrum, causing hearing loss. Infections of the ear can be resolved without medical intervention. However, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up more serious cases. This article we’ll look at hearing loss due to an ear infection, the effects and how to prevent hearing loss.

Understanding an Ear Infection

An ear infection, also called otitis media, occurs in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. It occurs when bacteria occupy the space behind the eardrum and cause fluid buildup. Ear infections are more prevalent in children due to their small and horizontal Eustachian tubes. These tubes connect the eardrum to the throat back. Ear infections can be painful and may lead to temporary hearing loss and other complications if left untreated.

What Causes Middle Ear Infections?

Middle ear infections are caused by swelling and inflammation in the nasal and throat areas. This includes the Eustachian tube opening structure. The Eustachian tube links the throat and middle ear. When inflamed, it prevents pressure balance in the middle ear area. This process is known as the dysfunction of the Eustachian tube.

Consequently, the middle ear space experiences an increase in pressure, blocking normal secretions drainage. This can lead to negative pressure, fluid build-up, ear pain and temporary hearing loss.

Ear Infections in Children and Their Effects

• Loss of hearing: Hearing impairment can occur in different ways, such as muffling or distorting sound. Ongoing infections can cause temporary hearing loss. If infections become regular, hearing loss can become more serious. For children using hearing aids, moisture can be a risk to the functionality of the device. Buildup of moisture in the hearing aids can cause corrosion, malfunctioning components and reduced functionality. It is important to learn how to dry out hearing aid thoroughly to maintain their performance.

• Delayed speech and language growth: Having difficulty hearing can negatively affect a child’s ability to learn a language and develop communication skills. If hearing is impacted for an extended duration, it can lead to a significant delay in language and speech growth.
  
• Rupture in the eardrum: A tear in the eardrum is caused by the buildup of fluid over a prolonged period around the eardrum. If the tear does not heal naturally, medical intervention may be necessary.   

Prevention Measures

The best way to avoid ear infections is to minimize factors that increase the risk. Here are some preventions to reduce ear infections:

• Ensure your child receives the influenza vaccine annually. Vaccination is an essential measure to protect your child from the flu. 
• It is recommended that your child receive the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). This vaccine offers more protection from infection-causing bacteria than the earlier PCV7 vaccine.
• Ensure your child washes their hands regularly. Doing so can help stop germs from spreading and potentially prevent colds and the flu.
• Keep children away from cigarette smoke, as this increases the risk of ear infections.
• Minimize your child’s contact with other children when those they interact with are ill.
• Breastfeed your child for six to twelve months. This is because antibodies in breast milk reduce ear infections.
• Snoring or breathing with the mouth open can be caused by enlarged adenoids. These can lead to ear infections. To address this issue, an adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids) may be necessary.

Endnote

Ear infections can lead to hearing difficulties due to swelling and fluid accumulation around the eardrum. This type of hearing loss is temporary. If your child’s hearing does not improve after the infection is over, contact their healthcare provider.