by Ronnenberg A

You have your own health history. Talk with your doctor about your risk factors and background with middle ear infections. By talking openly and often with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

Here are some tips that will make it easier to talk to your doctor:

  • Bring someone with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask. They may also be able to provide more details to the doctor.
  • Write down your questions so do you do not forget them.
  • Write down the answers you get and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for help if you need it.
  • Do not be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information. You have a right to know.

  • Are all ear infections painful?
  • My child does not have symptoms. How do you know if there is an infection?
  • Will untreated ear infections get better on their own?
  • Does an ear infection mean my child has asthma or allergies?
  • Do food allergies raise the risk of ear infections?
  • Do children with repeated ear infections need to stay home from daycare or preschool?
  • Should all of my children get a flu vaccine?
  • Are there other ways to lower the risk of ear infections?
  • Are my other children at risk of ear infections?
  • How do we know if the ear infection will respond to antibiotics?
  • Will taking antibiotics make my child more likely to get other infections?
  • What about resistance? Is it safe to delay giving antibiotics to see if children will get better on their own?
  • Do alternative and complementary therapies treat infection?
  • What are the options for treating chronic infections?
  • Do pacifiers raise the risk of ear infections?
  • Can we have a pet?
  • Will my child outgrow ear infections? When?
  • If we have treated my child’s ear infections with antibiotics, can they still get hearing loss?
  • Can my child fly during or right after the ear infection?
  • Can my child swim during or right after the ear infection?
  • Can my child take a bath or a shower during or right after the ear infection?

References

Acute otitis media (AOM) in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/acute-otitis-media-aom-in-children. Accessed May 17, 2022.

Ear infections in children. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders website. Available at: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children. Accessed May 17, 2022.

Getting the most out of your doctor appointment. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor. Accessed May 17, 2022.

Middle ear infections. Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics website. Available at: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/ear-nose-throat/Pages/Middle-Ear-Infections.aspx. Accessed May 17, 2022.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kuenn, MD
  • Review Date: 11/2021
  • Update Date: 05/17/2022