When the Eustachian tube to the ear is blocked, repeated infections in the space behind the eardrum can occur. The Eustachian tube is the passage from the back of the nose to the space behind the eardrum. Treatment of chronic ear infections may require medication and surgery.

About 75 percent of children experience an ear infection by the time they reach three years of age. Inflammation of the ear canal, often called swimmer’s ear, and inflammation of the middle ear due to bacterial or viral infections can cause acute pain and partial deafness. A thorough examination is necessary to diagnose ear infections, usually followed by a course of antibiotics and, in some cases, Ear Tubes.

Placing tubes in the ears drains the fluid and ventilates the middle ear.  Tubes may keep ear infections from recurring while the tubes are in place.