Ear Infections

How common are middle ear infections?

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are the most common types of ear infections in children. Babies and young children are susceptible because the (Eustachian) tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear is smaller, making it easier for germs to reach the middle ear from the nose.

Up to 20 per cent of children have more than three middle ear infections between one and two years of age, with some experiencing hearing loss and speech difficulties. Otitis media is almost universal in Aboriginal children, starting very early in life, often with no symptoms until complications such as ear discharge, hearing loss or delayed speech are noted.

How are middle ear infections treated?

For some children, the sticky fluid behind the eardrum causing otitis media doesn't go away; this "glue ear" makes it harder to hear. About 3800 operations are carried out in WA each year, where tiny tubes, or grommets, are inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid and ventilate the middle ear. Thirty per cent of these children need repeat grommet surgery due to re-infection.

Community-based studies and outreach

The Telethon Kids Institute's Kalgoorlie Otitis Media Research Project, conducted in young Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children, found that high rates of carriage of bacteria in the nose, exposure to tobacco smoke and overcrowding were major factors leading to otitis media. The Pina Palya, Pina Kulilku (Good Ears, Good Learning) health promotion program was then implemented in collaboration with Aboriginal groups in the Goldfields targeting passive smoking and recommending frequent hand washing and regular ear checks.

A high proportion of Aboriginal people now live in urban areas but little is known about otitis media in this population. A project is looking into how many Aboriginal children suffer from otitis media in the south-east Perth metropolitan area, what people know and do about it, what services are available and what the impact of otitis media and its complications is on children and their families.

*If your child has frequent earaches, fluid in the middle ear, persistent ear discharge or has trouble hearing, seek medical advice.