If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve dealt with ear infections at least once (or ten times) as a parent. Maybe it’s the sleepless nights, the endless crying, or the constant pulling on the ear that has you thinking, “Why is this happening again?” You’re not alone—ear infections are incredibly common in kids, but that doesn’t make them any less stressful for you or your little one. The good news is that ENT Memphis is here to help you understand why they happen and what you can do about them.

What’s Really Going On With Those Ear Infections?

First, let’s talk about why ear infections appear so often in small children. It mostly comes down to the way their ears are built. Inside your child’s ear, there’s a small tube called the Eustachian tube. In adults, this tube slants down, helping air flow and keeping things clear. But in kids, this tube is more like a flat pipe that easily gets blocked, especially when they have a cold or allergies. Once that tube gets blocked, fluid builds up, and bam—you’ve got the perfect recipe for an ear infection.

Dr. Rande Lazar, a pediatric ENT specialist in Memphis, explains that ear infections happen when blocked Eustachian tubes trap fluid in the middle ear. This creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, leading to the infections (and pain) we’re all too familiar with as parents.

If your child is constantly battling ear infections, there are usually a few things at play:

• They might be more prone to colds or allergies, which can block those tiny tubes.
• Kids in daycare or around other children are exposed to more germs, which leads to—you guessed it—more ear infections.
• Sometimes it’s just genetic. Some kids are simply more likely to get ear infections than others. The

Telltale Signs of an Ear Infection (And How to Spot Them)

Ear infections can be sneaky, especially when your child can’t quite explain what’s wrong. But there are some signs you can keep an eye out for. Does your child seem extra fussy, or are they tugging at their ear? Is bedtime suddenly a nightmare, with them waking up crying and unable to settle down? These might be your first clues.

Other signs of an ear infection include:

• Fever: Ear infections often come with a low-grade fever.
• Hearing trouble: If your child isn’t responding to sounds like they usually do, it could be because fluid is blocking their ears.
• Drainage from the ear: Sometimes, you might notice fluid coming out of your child’s ear. This can be a sign of a more severe infection.

When you see these symptoms, it’s time to pay attention. Some ear infections clear up on their own, but if the symptoms persist for more than a couple of days or if your child is in a lot of pain, you’ll want to call your doctor.

When Is It Time to See Dr. Rande Lazar?

You’ve been through enough ear infections to know when it’s time for professional help. If your child has had three or more ear infections in six months or is dealing with severe symptoms, it’s probably time to bring in an expert like Dr. Lazar. As an expert in ear health, he can help figure out the best course of action for your child. One of the most common solutions for kids with frequent ear infections is pressure-equalizing tubes, or ear tubes. If you’ve never heard of them, don’t worry—it’s a simple, quick procedure that can make a world of difference.

How Do Ear Tubes Help?

Ear tubes are tiny, but they do a big job. When a child’s Eustachian tubes are constantly blocked, ear tubes act as a temporary fix, allowing fluid to drain from the middle ear and preventing future infections. Here’s how it works: Dr. Lazar inserts small tubes into the eardrum during a brief, painless procedure to help ventilate the ear. The whole thing is done under general anesthesia, and most kids can return to regular activities the next day.

The tubes stay in place for 6 to 18 months, during which time they keep the ear free from infection-causing fluid buildup. Most importantly, they can prevent long-term issues like hearing loss, which can happen if infections go untreated.

After the surgery, you need to ensure that water stays out of your child’s ears to avoid any infections from outside sources. This means using earplugs during baths, hair washing, and swimming. Dr. Lazar’s office even has custom ear molds available if your child is a little fish in the water!

Preventing Future Ear Infections: Is It Possible?

While ear infections aren’t 100% avoidable, there are a few things you can do to reduce your child’s risk. First, keeping them hydrated helps the body fight off infections and keeps the Eustachian tubes clear. Managing allergies and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can also go a long way in reducing congestion and ear infections.

If your child is in daycare, it might feel impossible to avoid colds altogether. Remind them that regular handwashing and covering their sneeze and cough can help prevent the spread of germs. If ear infections persist, ear tubes might be the best long-term solution to keep infections at bay and give your child (and you!) some relief.

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Don’t Wait

As a parent, you’re juggling so much already. Ear infections don’t need to be one more thing that keeps you up at night (literally). Knowing what to look for and when to seek help can make all the difference. If your child is dealing with frequent ear infections or you’re just not sure what to do next, Dr. Rande Lazar in Memphis is here to help. With treatments like ear tubes, you can break the cycle of infections and let your little one get back to feeling like themselves.