Middle Ear Infection in Children


Cork Emergency Departments


What is 'otitis media'?

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Ear anatomy - the middle ear is behind (deep to ) the ear drum

Otitis media is a middle ear infection (behind the ear drum). It is very common in small children. Babies and young children get more middle-ear infections than older children because the tubes connecting the middle ear to the throat (the Eustachian tubes) are shorter and get blocked easier. This often happens as part of a virus infection (eg common cold). It is normal to have some fluid in the middle ear, which usually drains down in to the throat. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, this fluid doesn't drain so well.

Signs and symptoms

Babies and toddlers may suffer intense ear pain.

Care at home

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If you are concerned, please contact the Emergency Department you first attended:

Mercy Injury Unit, Gurranabraher (021)4926900

LIU Mallow(022)58506

LIU Bantry(027)52900


Dr Ronán O' Sullivan, Dr Íomhar O' Sullivan 27/07/2007. Last review Dr ÍOS 17/06/21 .