Ear Infections and Pediatric ENT Disorders in Children
Ear infections in children should not be ignored.
Symptoms
Common symptoms to watch for in young children and infants include crying and fussiness, digging in or tugging at the ears, and drainage. It’s important to get medical attention because repeated infections have the potential to lead to more serious complications, especially if left untreated.
Our Availability & Experience
As a parent of three young children, Dr. Sana understands and can relate to the concern parents have when their child is not feeling well.
An Urgent Care ENT Clinic is available because we understand that life is unexpected and you need care now.
A phone or video visit can get your child scheduled for ear tubes quickly.
Dr Sana has significant experience with Pediatric ENT as Children’s Hospital of Michigan was one of his primary training hospitals.
About Pediatric Ear Infections
A cold is often the triggering factor.
Ear infections are often preceded by a viral cold. This causes inflammation and congestion in the nose, including the eustachian tubes. When they are swollen, congested, and unable to open to equalize middle ear pressure this leads to the development of negative pressure in the middle ear spaces. This negative pressure draws fluid into the middle ear space from its lining. If persistent, the fluid may cause difficulty in hearing and even speech delay and learning difficulty in some children. The stagnant fluid sometimes allows bacteria to grow and this becomes an active ear infection (acute otitis media) and can be very painful. When infections occur frequently, even when they aren’t painful, it’s important to seek treatment.
The underlying issue is eustachian tube dysfunction.
The eustachian tubes connect the back of the nose to the middle ear spaces. They open and close to allow equalization of pressure – like the ‘popping’ sensation while going up or down in an airplane. They also allow drainage to occur. In children they are shorter and more horizontal in orientation – this predisposes kids to ear infections. As they get older the eustachian tubes elongate and become more vertical allowing them to “outgrow” these infections.
EAR TUBES
Treatment
Treatment ranges from a course of antibiotics to the insertion of ear tubes. Most children will eventually “outgrow” ear infections, however, it’s important to ensure it does not lead to permanent damage to the hearing from repeated infections or speech and learning difficulties from prolonged middle ear fluid. Your child may benefit from ear tubes for these indications. They usually remain in place for 6-12 months and often fall out on their own.
A phone or video visit can get your child scheduled for ear tubes quickly.
HEAR Surgical Associates wants to protect your child’s hearing.
Testimonials
“Love love love Dr. Sana & his staff. Friendly, efficient, knowledgeable with a good “bedside” manner. He’s done so well with my son, who’s 9yrs old & has hearing loss. We feel so blessed to have him as our primary Doc for his ears.”
Valerie S.
“My 2 year old son kept having ear infections and pediatrician suggested seeing ENT. I couldn’t find an ENT to get into quickly and other ENT offices would only schedule us with the PA and not the doctor. Dr Sana himself called me later in day after contacting his office and we were able to get scheduled for ear tubes very quickly. It was great! I wish there were more offices like this.”
Jen C.
“Dr. Sana and his staff are fantastic. I highly recommend anyone to him if you need an ENT.”