The most common ear problems among children involve infections. There are several different types of ear infections. These include:

• Otitis media. Inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. If enough bacteria grow in the area, the fluid may become infected. Otitis media is the most common type of ear infection in young children, occurring most often between the ages of 6 months and 24 months. By age 3, up to 90 percent of children will experience at least one episode of otitis media. Three or more episodes of otitis media within a six-month period, or four episodes in one year, is called recurrent otitis media.
  
  
• Swimmer’s ear (also called otitis externa or external otitis). Inflammation that occurs in the ear canal (passageway that carries sound from outside the body to the eardrum). Despite its name, it can occur without swimming. Anything that causes bacteria or fungi to enter a break in the lining of the ear canal can cause swimmer’s ear. Outer ear infections are common in both children and adults.
  
  
• Labyrinthitis. Infection of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing. It is rare and may occur in two different forms:
  
  
• • Viral labyrinthitis. Inner ear infection caused by viruses (e.g., viruses that cause the measles, mumps or flu). Viral labyrinthitis usually resolves on its own, without treatment, and leaves no long-term complications.
    
    
  • Bacterial labyrinthitis. Inner ear infection caused by bacteria, such as when a middle ear infection (otitis media) spreads to the inner ear, or as the result of the spread of meningitis (inflammation of the protective cover of the brain and spinal cord). Significant permanent hearing loss is a common result of bacterial labyrinthitis, as well as damage to the structures within the inner ear. It is very rare due to the use of antibiotics to treat middle ear infections. However, it may still occur as a complication of bacterial meningitis.

Ear conditions in children may also result from objects becoming lodged in the ear canal. Curious young children may attempt to put small items into their ears (i.e., seeds, beans, nuts, rocks, beads, small wads of paper). These objects are generally too large to go deep into the ear canal. Occasionally, an insect may wander into a child’s ear (although most find their own way out of the ear canal). Parents should consult their child’s pediatrician when any foreign object appears to be stuck in a child’s ear. Attempts to remove the object at home may result in damage to the ear canal, causing an ear infection. If objects do travel deep into the ear canal, they may cause irritation and pain, as well as temporary hearing loss.

The buildup of earwax may trap fluid and bacteria in the ear canal, and lead to an ear infection. Most earwax drains out of the ear canal on its own. Parents who suspect problematic earwax buildup should consult their child’s pediatrician about the best way to remove it.