Children with a conductive hearing problem are easier to spot the older they
get. In toddlers and infants be on the lookout for behavioral changes. They
include: increase in crying, poking or pulling at the ear during or after they
have had a cold, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, red ears, change in sleep patterns
and behavior changes which seems odd for the child.
For instance, if you ask the child if he would like an apple and he doesn't
respond and an apple will usually bring him running consider there may be a
problem. All symptoms do not appear in children. In fact many children are
reported by parents to be symptom free.
A positive indicator of a bad middle ear infection is any drainage from the
ear. Since it may occur at night check pillows in the morning if you think
their may be a problem.
The rule to follow is if you are unsure if a problem exists get your
physician to check the child's ears.
A change in sleep pattern may be the biggest tip that a problem is brewing.
Child with serous or otitis media problems do not like to lay with their head
flat to the mattress. This is because the pressure behind the middle ear
presses down on the eardrum and causes discomfort.
In an older child if the head is elevated and they seem to improve take them
to their physician for a checkup. In an infant if the baby cries when he is
lying down (flat) but improves when you pick him up (note the head position
change) get him checked.
How Does a Conductive Hearing Loss Occur?
In infants and toddlers the Eustachian tubes (the tubes that connect the
middle ear cavity and the throat and are responsible for keeping pressure on
both sides of the eardrum equal) are shorter than those found in adults. As a
result there is a shorter amount of distance for bacteria to travel from the
throat to the ears. What starts out as a sore throat many times may end up as
an ear infection.
Fluid begins to build up behind the eardrum and becomes infected by
bacteria. Increasing fluid build up causes pressure which results in an
earache. If left untreated the eardrum can rupture relieving the pressure. The
earache goes away and baby seems back to normal. Perforations generally heal
quickly if proper medical treatment is given. However, too many perforations may
cause scar tissue which can eventually affect hearing.