If there is some permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures, permanent hearing loss may occur. Ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more-significant hearing loss. Mild hearing loss that comes and goes is fairly common with an ear infection, but it usually gets better after the infection clears. Ear infections that happen again and again can lead to serious complications: Most ear infections don't cause long-term complications. Differences in the bone structure and muscles in children who have cleft palates may make it more difficult for the eustachian tube to drain. Ear infections are more common among Alaska Natives. Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infections. People with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections when pollen counts are high. Ear infections are most common during the fall and winter. Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infections than do babies who are breast-fed. The children in group settings are exposed to more infections, such as the common cold.
Children cared for in group settings are more likely to get colds and ear infections than are children who stay home. Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of their eustachian tubes and because their immune systems are still developing.
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