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Health Information For Parents
My daughter has had one ear infection after another. When she gets an infection, she seems to have trouble hearing, but with medicine it always gets better. Still, I’m worried that these infections could lead to permanent hearing loss somewhere down the line. Could this happen? – Yasmine
Ear infections are common in childhood. As with your daughter, some kids do have temporary hearing loss due to the build up of fluid in the middle ear, but it usually goes away with treatment.
It’s very rare, however, for kids to develop permanent hearing loss, even when they’ve had several ear infections. A child with frequent or chronic ear infections is at risk for permanent hearing loss only when damage has been done to the eardrum, the bones of the ear, or the hearing nerve.
Since your daughter’s hearing appears to return to normal after treatment for an ear infection, she’s probably not at risk for permanent hearing loss. But if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor about scheduling a hearing exam.
If your daughter’s ear infections continue to be a problem, the doctor might refer her to an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor), who may suggest ear tube placement to help reduce the number of ear infections she gets, and limit the hearing problems they may cause.
Earwax helps protect the eardrum and fight infection. Parents shouldn’t attempt to remove earwax at home, as doing so risks damage to the ear canal and, possibly, a child’s hearing.
Ear injuries not only can affect a child’s hearing, but sense of balance too. That’s because our ears also help keep us steady on our feet.
A “popped” eardrum is more than just painful – it can sometimes lead to hearing loss. Learn about ruptured eardrums and how to prevent them.
Hearing impairment occurs when there’s a problem with or damage to one or more parts of the ear. Find out its causes and what can be done to help correct it.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal that can be caused by different types of bacteria or fungi. Find out how to prevent or treat it.
Find out what the experts have to say.
A middle ear infection happens when germs like bacteria and viruses get in your middle ear and cause trouble. Read this article to find out more.
You swam! You splashed! And now you have it: swimmer’s ear.
Hearing problems can be overcome if they’re caught early, so it’s important to get your child’s hearing screened early and checked regularly.
Ear infections are common among kids and, often, painful. Find out what causes them and how they’re treated.
Many kids get middle ear infections (otitis media). Doctors may suggest ear tube surgery for those with multiple infections or a hearing loss or speech delay.