Summer brings with it warmer days, longer evenings, and outdoor fun for kids. However, it also means an increase in ear troubles for many children.

Whether they are caused by swimming, allergies, or changing air pressures in airplanes, ear troubles can be a frustrating and painful experience for both children and parents. In this article, we will discuss some common summertime ear troubles in kids and provide tips on how to prevent and treat these conditions.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Otitis externa, also known as Swimmer’s Ear, is a common summertime ear infection that affects the ear canal. It is caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment that bacteria and fungi thrive in.

Symptoms include ear pain, itching, discharge, and temporary hearing loss.

To prevent Swimmer’s Ear, make sure your child’s ears are dry after swimming. Dry them with a towel or a hairdryer on a low, cool setting. Use earplugs or swim caps to keep water out of your child’s ears while in the pool or lake.

Avoid scratching or poking the ear canal, and never use cotton swabs, which can push wax and debris deeper into the ear canal and cause infections.

If your child develops Swimmer’s Ear, see a doctor who can prescribe ear drops to kill the infection.

Otitis Media

Otitis Media is an infection of the middle ear that often occurs in children. It happens when a cold, flu, or allergies cause the lining of the nose and throat to swell, blocking the Eustachian tube and trapping bacteria and viruses in the middle ear.

Symptoms include ear pain, fever, and temporary hearing loss.

To prevent Otitis Media, keep your child’s nose and throat clear of mucus by using saline drops, nasal aspirators, and a cool-mist humidifier.

Make sure your child stays up-to-date on their vaccinations against the flu and pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause ear infections.

If your child develops Otitis Media, see a doctor who can prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.

Barotrauma

Barotrauma occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. It is most commonly experienced when flying in an airplane or driving up a mountain.

Symptoms include ear pain, temporary hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ears.

To prevent Barotrauma, encourage your child to swallow, yawn, or chew gum during takeoff and landing. This can help equalize the pressure in their ears.

Use a nasal decongestant spray an hour before the flight to open up your child’s nasal passages.

If your child develops Barotrauma, encourage them to swallow, yawn, or chew gum to help equalize the pressure in their ears. If the pain persists, see a doctor who can prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms.

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It causes inflammation in the nose and throat, which can lead to Otitis Media and eustachian tube dysfunction.

Symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion.

To prevent Allergic Rhinitis, avoid known allergens and keep indoor air clean with an air purifier. Use a saline nasal spray to rinse out allergens and mucus from your child’s nasal passages.

Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently to avoid spreading germs.

If your child develops Allergic Rhinitis, see a doctor who can prescribe antihistamines and other medications to relieve the symptoms.

Foreign Objects in the Ear

Kids can be curious and put foreign objects in their ears, such as beads, buttons, or food. These objects can cause ear pain, bleeding, discharge, and other more serious complications.

To prevent foreign objects in the ear, supervise your child during play and discourage them from putting small objects in their ears. Teach them to avoid putting anything smaller than their elbow in their ear.

If your child puts a foreign object in their ear, do not try to remove it yourself. This can push the object deeper into the ear canal and cause further damage. Take your child to a doctor who can remove the object safely.

Tympanostomy Tube Obstruction

Tympanostomy tubes are small tubes inserted into the eardrum to help drain fluid from the middle ear in children with chronic ear infections. Sometimes these tubes become blocked or fall out, leading to fluid buildup and the return of ear infections.

Symptoms include ear pain, discharge, and hearing loss.

To prevent Tympanostomy Tube Obstruction, follow your doctor’s instructions for keeping the ears clean and dry, and avoid exposing your child to secondhand smoke and other irritants.

If your child develops Tympanostomy Tube Obstruction, see a doctor who may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids, or recommend surgery to reinsert or replace the tubes.

Conclusion

Summertime ear troubles in kids can be a frustrating and painful experience for both children and parents. However, with proper prevention and treatment, these conditions can be managed effectively.

By maintaining good ear hygiene, staying up-to-date on vaccinations, and avoiding known allergens and irritants, you can help your child avoid ear troubles and enjoy a fun and healthy summer.