Kid’s Ear Infections: Symptoms, Treatment s & When to See a Pediatric ENT We at Novena ENT are aware of how distressing it is for your child to wake up with ear pain or discomfort. Ear infections are the most common childhood diseases, and although many are benign, a chronic or neglected infections could have severe consequences for hearing and development. As a trusted children’s ENT clinic in Singapore, we aim to educate parents on the symptoms, treatment, and when to see an ear specialist Singapore . We have trained ENT specialists who are here to give your kids personalized care. Knowing About Ear Infections in Children Ear infections, especially middle ear infection (otitis media), typically result after a cold or respiratory infection. The eustachian tube, a thin tube running from the throat to the middle ear, may swell and become blocked, leading to fluid buildup and bacterial or viral infection. Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable because their eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal and drain less effectively. That is why ENT physicians see so many ear infections in children under five years of age. Symptoms Parents Should Watch For Ear infections are not always accompanied by clear symptoms, particularly in very young children who cannot communicate their pain. The following are signs that your child is experiencing an ear infection: ● Pulling or tugging at the ear ● Excessive crying or irritability ● Restlessness while sleeping ● Discharge from the ear ● Having trouble hearing or reacting to sounds ● Fever (particularly in infants and toddlers) ● Balance problems Some symptoms overlap with other disorders, and hence it's important to have the proper diagnosis done by an ENT doctor. Ear Infection Types There are three main types of ear infections: ● Acute Otitis Media (AOM): The most frequent type, causing swelling, fluid buildup, and pain. ● Otitis Media with Effusion (OME): Fluid is trapped in the middle ear after the infection has resolved. This may produce no signs or symptoms but affect hearing. ● Chronic Otitis Media with Effusion (COME): Persistent fluid in the ear, which can impact speech and language development. A trained children ENT doctor will be able to distinguish between these and recommend the appropriate treatments. How We Diagnose Ear Infections At our ear, nose, and throat office, we use advanced diagnostic tools to examine the ear canal and eardrum. An ENT physician will use an otoscope, a light instrument to look for redness, fluid, or perforation. In some cases, a test of tympanometry can be used to test eardrum movement and middle ear pressure. If the infections are chronic or the child is experiencing difficulty in hearing, we might have a hearing test done. As our doctors are also skilled in the nose, we examine to determine whether nasal or sinus issues are contributing to persistent ear infections. Treatment at Novena ENT Treatment will be different based on the age of the child, the severity of the symptoms, and whether the infection is bacterial or viral. 1. Observation: Mild infections resolve within 2-3 days, especially if the child is over 2 years of age. We also prescribe watchful waiting in some cases. 2. Medication: In advanced infections, antibiotics, analgesics, or antipyretics are administered. If the underlying cause of fluid buildup is an allergy, antihistamines or nasal sprays can be used. 3. Ear Tubes (Myringotomy): For chronic or repeated infections, we may recommend inserting very small ventilation tubes into the eardrum to drain out the fluid and prevent further buildup. That is an extremely brief surgery under general anesthesia. As a legitimate children’s ENT clinic, we are always looking for the least invasive and kid - friendly treatments. When to Consult a Pediatric ENT Specialist You should get your child checked by an ENT specialist if: ● Your child has experienced multiple ear infections in a short period of time ● The symptoms persist longer than 48 – 72 hours ● There is a speech delay or hearing loss Singapore ● There is fluid discharge, especially if it is bloody or foul-smelling ● The infection recurs after being successfully treated with antibiotics With Novena ENT, our ENT doctors are experienced in the appropriate handling of young patients with compassion and care. If it discovers infections in the ears, there is a middle ear fluid retention, or an issue with the Eustachian tube, the ear physician will closely coordinate with the team to deliver holistic, comprehensive care. Our Commitment to Paediatric ENT Care At Novena ENT, we’re d edicated to providing gentle, specialist care for children with ENT issues. Led by Dr. Low Wong Kein, our friendly team combines years of experience with a gentle, kid-focused approach. We use the latest tools and technology, but more importantly, we take the time to make children (and parents) feel at ease. Whether it’s a minor ear infection or something more complex, we’re here to guide your family with care, patience, and understanding — every step of the way. We are sure that specialist care and early diagnosis can make all the difference to your child's health. Our specialist ENT consultants work with parents to deliver a smooth, painless process from initial consultation to aftercare. Conclusion Ear infections in children are common but should never be underestimated, especially if they are recurrent or affect hearing and speaking. Getting to know the signs and when and how to get an ENT doctor’s help is important. Novena ENT boasts of being one of the finest children’s ENT clinics in Singapore to provide personalized and complete treatment to all our children’s patients. If your child is showing symptoms of an ear infection or repeatedly having ENT issues, do not hesitate. Call us today to schedule a visit with one of our skilled ENT specialists.