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Many children experience ear infections that improve with time or your GP’s treatment. However, infections that keep recurring, or come with ongoing hearing or speech concerns, may be worth discussing with your GP, who can consider a referral for specialist assessment.
“Recurring ear infections are one of the most common reasons I see children in my practice. The good news is that for most children, a clear pattern emerges quite quickly — and once we understand what’s driving the recurrence, we can put a plan together that gives families real relief. Grommets, when they are the right fit, can make a remarkable difference. But the consultation is about understanding each child’s individual situation first.”
— Dr Brett Leavers, ENT, Head & Neck Surgeon | Paediatric and adult ENT across NSW
For many families, ear infections are a regular concern—especially in young children. Whether it’s a baby pulling at their ear or an older child struggling with pain and sleepless nights, these infections can take a real toll. And when they happen again and again, it’s more than just inconvenient—it can affect your child’s hearing, speech development, and even learning.
Recurring ear infections in children don’t have to be the norm. With the right strategies, early recognition, and support from a qualified ENT specialist, you can protect your child’s ear health and reduce the risk of long-term damage.
An ear infection (medically called otitis media) occurs when the middle ear fills with fluid, often due to a cold, flu, or allergies. This fluid can become infected by viruses or bacteria, leading to pain, fever, and trouble hearing.
There are three main types:
Acute Otitis Media (AOM): Sudden and painful, often with fever.
Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Fluid remains after infection, possibly affecting hearing.
Chronic Otitis Media: Persistent infection that may lead to long-term damage if untreated.
Children have shorter and more horizontal Eustachian tubes (which connect the ear to the back of the nose), making them more prone to blockage and fluid buildup.
During winter and cold weather, viruses are everywhere. When a child gets a cold, the inflammation can block the Eustachian tubes, leading to fluid buildup.
Tip: Keep your child’s immunity strong with nutritious meals, proper sleep, and regular handwashing. The flu shot can also reduce risk.
Dust, pet dander, and pollen can all trigger inflammation that blocks drainage in the ear. Allergies don’t always cause sneezing—sometimes, they quietly cause ear trouble.
Tip: Use an air purifier, wash bedding often, and keep pets out of bedrooms to cut down allergens.
In group settings, kids easily share bugs. This exposure increases the chance of getting repeated colds, which may lead to ear infections.
Tip: Teach your child to wash hands often, especially before meals. Keep vaccinations up to date—including pneumococcal vaccines.
Cigarette smoke irritates the respiratory system, including the Eustachian tubes. Children exposed to smoke are more likely to have ear infections.
Tip: Keep your home and car smoke-free. If anyone in the household smokes, try quitting—it benefits everyone’s health.
While only a medical professional can make a clear diagnosis, some signs can help guide you:
Viral infections often improve on their own and are linked to colds.
Bacterial infections may cause more intense pain and fever, and sometimes need antibiotics.
Discharge from the ear may signal a perforated eardrum, which needs medical attention.
Remember: Antibiotics aren’t always needed. Your child may recover well without them.
1. Keep ears dry after bathing or swimming
Moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria.
Use a soft towel to dry around the outer ear.
For frequent swimmers, consider custom-fit ear plugs.
2. Breastfeed when possible
Breast milk provides antibodies that help prevent infections.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months is ideal.
Continue while introducing solids if possible.
3. Elevate your child’s head during sleep
Slight elevation can help with fluid drainage.
For older kids, raise the head of the mattress slightly.
For babies, speak with your doctor about safe positioning.
4. Treat allergies early
Allergic rhinitis can cause fluid to collect in the ears.
Consult your GP or ENT specialist for testing.
Allergy management may involve lifestyle changes or medications.
5. See an ENT for persistent problems
Recurring infections may indicate a need for more specialised care. An ENT doctor can assess if surgery (like ear tubes) is necessary.
An ENT specialist can assess the underlying cause and provide tailored solutions.
Assess for fluid in the middle ear using specialised tools.
Check the Eustachian tube function and adenoid size.
Recommend surgery if necessary (e.g. ear tubes or adenoidectomy).
Provide allergy evaluations and hearing tests if needed.
For some children, recurrent ear infections or persistent glue ear continue despite medical treatment and time. In these cases, grommet surgery may be discussed as one possible management option, alongside other approaches, depending on your child’s individual assessment.
If your GP has recommended specialist assessment for recurrent ear infections, glue ear or hearing concerns, an appointment with Dr Brett Leavers can help determine the most appropriate management approach for your child.
Before your appointment, it is helpful to bring:
Dr Brett Leavers consults across Sydney and New South Wales, providing assessment and management of a wide range of paediatric ear conditions.
This guide may help if your child has had several ear infections, persistent fluid behind the eardrum, or a diagnosis of glue ear.
This can be tricky—only a doctor can tell for sure. But if your child has had a cold and now has mild ear discomfort and no fever, it could be viral.
No. Many ear infections, especially viral ones, clear up on their own within a few days.
Look for signs like pulling at the ear, trouble sleeping, fever, or fluid discharge. Teething doesn’t usually cause fever or ear pain.
Yes, especially if water gets trapped in the ear. “Swimmer’s ear” affects the outer ear, not the middle ear like typical infections.
If they’ve had several infections in a short time, or if infections are affecting hearing or speech.
This article is intended for general education only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, speak with your GP or ask your GP to write a referral to see Dr Leavers.
Dr Brett Leavers is an Australian-trained Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Head and Neck Surgeon. He has been practising across NSW for over ten years.
When to see a doctor
Symptoms vary from person to person — if you're concerned, it's worth getting assessed
Meet Dr Leavers
Dr Leavers, BMedSci MBBS (Hons) FRACS (ORL-HNS), is an ENT Specialist, Head and Neck Surgeon who treats adult and paediatric conditions.
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You can call us on (02) 9037 6373 to make an appointment or discuss our medical services. One of our team members will be available to take your call during business hours. If you would prefer email, you can send us an enquiry using the form below.
St Vincent’s Clinic Suite 1008, Level 10, 438 Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010