The most common ear-related conditions of childhood involve ear infections. Ear infections are not contagious. However, they often occur in children who have recently had a cold or the flu – both of which are contagious viral infections. Taking measures to prevent a cold or flu may also help prevent ear infections. These include avoiding people with colds or the flu, frequent handwashing and avoiding touching one’s own nose, mouth or eyes.  

Parents may also ensure that their child’s immunizations are current. This can help prevent infection by certain types of bacteria or viruses. One vaccine, called the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is designed to prevent sepsis, meningitis and pneumococcal pneumonia. However, it also prevents some types of bacterial middle ear infections. The PCV is recommended for all children under 2 years of age. The flu vaccine also reduces the risk of ear infections as a result of the flu virus.

In some cases of recurring ear infections, a physician may prescribe long-term preventive antibiotics. This involves taking low-dose antibiotics over an extended period of time, such as a few months. Children should not take antibiotics for more than six months, however.

Additional ways to help prevent ear infections include:

• Do not insert anything into the ear canal. Anything, including fingers and cotton swabs, inserted into the ear may injure the tissue lining the canal and cause an ear infection.
  
  
• Placement of tympanostomy (ear tubes) in children who have recurrent ear infections.
  
  
• Use earplugs. A physician may recommend using earplugs when swimming or bathing to keep the ear canal dry.
  
  
• Dry ears after swimming. Ears may be dried with a towel or hair dryer (on low setting). Use only a soft, damp cloth to clean the ears (no fingers, cotton swabs, etc.)
  
  
• Use eardrops after swimming. In some cases, a physician may recommend certain solutions designed to prevent bacterial growth after exposure to water. This usually involves placing a few drops into the ear canal after swimming. These types of eardrops should not be used if a child has ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum.
  
  
• Breastfeed infants. Babies receive extra immunity against infections through antibodies contained in the mother’s breast milk.
  
  
• Avoid smoke. Exposing a child to second-hand smoke increases the risk of infection.
  
  
• Avoid irritating chemicals near the ears. Chemicals in hair spray, hair dye and other products may irritate the skin lining the ear canal, leaving it vulnerable to an ear infection. Cotton balls should be placed in the ears when using these substances to avoid irritating the ear.