For many indirect causes, there is no way to prevent ear pain. However, for some direct causes, steps can be taken to decrease the likelihood of ear pain. Precautions in loud environments, such as concerts and noisy workplaces, as well as keeping objects out of the ear canal, can help to decrease the risk of subsequent pain in the ear. Workers exposed to loud noises, such as at construction sites or airports, should use adequate ear protection.

To help reduce the incidence of ear pain due to ear infection in children, parents may want to consider the following suggestions:

• Choose a child-care facility with fewer children.
  
  
• Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke.
  
  
• Choose breastfeeding over bottle feeding.
  
  
• Avoid bottle feeding young children while they are lying on their back.
  
  
• Reduce or eliminate the use of a pacifier.
  
  
• Control a child’s allergies as much as possible.
  
  
• Ensure that vaccinations, including the flu vaccine, are up to date.
  
  
• Have the child wash hands frequently, especially during cold and flu season.