Chronic Ear Infections

In some cases, doctors will start by keeping a close eye on your child’s repeated ear infections. The doctor will watch for signs of hearing loss and other complications.

Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed to clear the ear infection. Medicines to reduce pain (taken orally or as ear drops) may also be recommended.

Tiny metal or plastic tubes may be inserted into your child’s ears to help prevent future ear infections. Ear tubes help prevent fluid from backing up and getting infected, and they allow infections to drain out of the ear. They also allow air into the ear and help regulate air pressure. These tubes usually fall out on their own as children grow. This short procedure takes only about 15 minutes.

Ear tubes are very beneficial for some children. But they aren't right for everyone. 

Surgery to treat chronic ear infections is usually performed on an outpatient basis (meaning your child will have surgery and go home the same day), and your child will be asleep under general anesthesia.

• Myringoplasty: If a small tear or hole develops in the eardrum, your child’s doctor can repair it surgically by attaching a thin layer of tissue, fat, or gel. This procedure usually takes about 30 minutes.
• Tympanoplasty: This surgery is used to repair a hole in the eardrum, remove a cholesteatoma or inflamed tissue, or repair or replace the three tiny bones behind the eardrum. The surgery takes about one to two hours. This can often be done directly through the ear canal, so there are no external incisions required.
• Mastoidectomy: A mastoidectomy removes damaged mastoid cells, which are found in the skull behind the ear. These cells can become infected when a chronic ear infection spreads to the skull. This procedure is also used to remove skin cysts, or cholesteatomas, that can develop in the middle ear. Mastoidectomy is frequently done in conjunction with tympanoplasty and may take two to three hours overall.
• Ossicular Reconstruction: Small bones in the middle ear that are damaged by ear infections or trauma can be repaired or replaced. This procedure, also called ossiculoplasty, uses prosthetic bones to restore function, and it usually takes one to three hours.

Children who have hearing problems due to chronic ear infections may have speech difficulties or delays. Our speech therapists help your child to acquire language and improve their ability to speak.