Is Your Child More Likely to Get an Ear Infection?

Most kids get at least one ear infection by the time they're 3 years old. Children may be at a higher risk for developing ear infections who:

• Are around people who smoke
• Have had previous ear infections
• Have a family history of ear infections
• Attend day care (greater exposure to germs)
• Were born prematurely or with a low birth weight
• Have frequent colds or other infections
• Take a bottle to bed
• Use a pacifier
• Are male (boys get them more)
• Have nasal speech (indicating large adenoids)
• Have allergies with nasal congestion

If your child has any of these risk factors and the symptoms of an ear infection, you may want to consult a pediatrician.