EAR INFECTIONS
Three out of four children experience ear infection (otitis media) by the time they are 3 years old. In fact, ear infections are the most common illnesses in babies and young children.
It is not always easy to know if your child has an ear infection. Sometimes you have to watch carefully. Your child may get an ear infection before he or she has learned how to talk. If your child is not old enough to say, "My ear hurts," you need to look for other signals that there is a problem.
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Here are a few signs your child might show you if he or she has otitis media:
- Does she tug or pull at her ears?
- Does he cry more than usual?
- Do you see fluid draining out of her ears?
- Does he have trouble sleeping?
- Can she keep her balance?
- Does he have trouble hearing?
- Does she seem not to respond to quiet sounds?
A child with an ear infection may show you any of these signs. If you see any of them, call or see a doctor.