Read this to spot infant ear infections. Contact Clarity Audiology for your child’s hearing health in Maryland.
Infants and children generally have the highest rate of ear infections. While there are ways to prevent them, it’s good to be prepared to spot the signs or be able to catch it as it is happening. Know these signs of ear infections in infants, and contact Clarity Audiology if you suspect your child has an ear infection or another hearing issue in the Baltimore area.
Signs of Ear Infections in Infants
Tugging at the Ear
One possible sign of ear infections in infants is tugging at the ear. If your baby is touching or tugging at its ear constantly, it could be a source of pain. However, if the contact with the ear is not accompanied by signs of distress, then it is unlikely due to an infant ear infection.
Difficulty Sleeping, Crying, and Fussiness
An ear infection usually involves constant discomfort and sometimes pain, which can lead to difficulty sleeping. Infants cannot communicate what is bothering them and will express their discomfort through crying and fussiness, which can continue throughout the night if difficulty sleeping is involved..
Fever
An ear infection can spread to other parts of the body and induce fever. If your child is running a fever, an ear infection could be the cause. Reach out to your child’s doctor and determine the possible causes of the fever.
Difficulty Hearing
If your child is failing to respond to vocal signals, that is a telling sign that your child might be suffering from hearing loss. If it is accompanied with constant discomfort in the ear, then it could be conductive hearing loss from an ear infection.
Other Potential Symptoms
Other possible symptoms include ear drainage and stomach issues. Ear drainage would happen if your child’s eardrum ruptures due to an infection, which needs immediate medical attention. Stomach issues can happen if the infection affects appetite or diet. If your child vomits, ensure he or she stays hydrated.
Treating Ear Infections in Infants
Taking your child to a doctor is the best way to address an ear infection in infants. Antibiotics are usually the treatment. Follow-up appointments will help monitor your child’s improvement. Viral infections typically work out themselves, but you can treat symptoms in the meantime.
Preventing Ear Infections in Infants
Holding your child upright during feeding, maintaining clean habits, and keeping your child from exposure to toxins like secondhand smoke, dust, and more are good ways to prevent ear infections in infants.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.