Middle ear infections

Middle Ear Infections in Children – Grand Rapids, MI Guide

Middle ear infection (otitis media) is an infection in the space behind the eardrum. Ear infections are very common in babies and young children and are usually painful. By about age six, most children in Grand Rapids have fewer middle ear infections and are unlikely to have long‑term problems.

Cold, snowy winters in West Michigan mean more time indoors and more colds and respiratory infections, which can increase the risk of ear infections in children.

What Is a Middle Ear Infection?

A middle ear infection happens when fluid and germs (viruses or bacteria) build up behind the eardrum. This often follows:

A cold or flu
A sinus infection
Allergies or nasal congestion

In Grand Rapids, ear infections are especially common in fall and winter when respiratory viruses spread more easily in schools, daycares, and indoor play spaces.

Common Symptoms of Middle Ear Infections

Pain and Irritability

Earache – mild to severe pain in the ear or on the side of the face
Babies and toddlers may:
- Pull or tug at the ear
- Be more irritable or fussy than usual
- Have trouble sleeping
- Cry more, especially when lying down

Fever and Feeling Unwell

Fever (sometimes the only sign in babies and young children)
General tiredness or low energy
Decreased appetite

Ear Discharge

Sometimes, pressure from the infection causes the eardrum to burst (perforate), which can lead to:

Yellow, white, or bloody fluid draining from the ear
Sudden relief of ear pain after the eardrum bursts

Most children recover from mild infections within a few days, though they may feel tired afterward.

Temporary Hearing Problems and “Glue Ear”

After a middle ear infection, thick fluid can remain behind the eardrum. This is often called glue ear. It can cause:

Mild, temporary hearing loss
Your child not responding when called
Turning up the TV or tablet volume
Saying “what?” more often
Speech sounding muffled

In most cases, glue ear is not permanent, but it may need treatment if it lasts more than a few weeks or affects speech and learning. This is especially important for school‑age children in Grand Rapids classrooms, where hearing clearly affects learning.

How Middle Ear Infections Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

A doctor will examine your child’s ear with a lighted instrument called an otoscope (also called an auriscope). They will look for:

Redness or bulging of the eardrum
Fluid behind the eardrum
A hole (perforation) in the eardrum
Signs of fluid or pus

You can have your child evaluated by:

Your pediatrician or family doctor
An urgent care clinic in Grand Rapids
Local health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
Kent County Health Department clinics or Grand Rapids Public Health resources for families without a regular doctor

What Causes Middle Ear Infections?

Middle ear infections are usually caused by:

Viruses – often the same viruses that cause colds
Bacteria – sometimes following a viral infection

These infections are more common when:

Children attend daycare or preschool
There is exposure to secondhand smoke
Children use a bottle while lying flat
It is cold and flu season (fall and winter in Michigan)

Treating Middle Ear Infections at Home

Many mild middle ear infections in older children get better on their own with comfort care.

Pain and Fever Relief

You can use:

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) – for pain and fever
Ibuprofen (for children old enough, if recommended by your doctor)

Always:

Follow the dosing instructions on the bottle
Use the correct dose for your child’s weight
Do not give regular acetaminophen or ibuprofen for more than 24 hours without checking with your doctor

Positioning and Comfort

Raise the head of your child’s bed slightly (for older babies and children, not for infants under 1 year in a way that compromises safe sleep)
Keep your child well hydrated
Offer quiet activities and rest

When Are Antibiotics Needed?

Not all ear infections need antibiotics. Many are viral and improve on their own.

Babies 6 Months and Younger

Children six months of age or younger usually require an antibiotic because they are at higher risk of complications.
These infants should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, especially in winter when serious infections are more common.

Older Babies and Children

For children older than six months, your Grand Rapids doctor may:

Watch and wait for 24–48 hours if symptoms are mild
Prescribe antibiotics if:
- The child is very unwell
- Pain is severe
- Fever is high or persistent
- Symptoms do not improve after 1–2 days

If antibiotics are prescribed:

Give the medicine exactly as directed
Finish the full course (usually 5–7 days), even if your child seems better after a day or two
Do not skip doses

Stopping antibiotics early can lead to the infection coming back and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Ear Drops, Decongestants, and Other Medicines

Your doctor may occasionally prescribe ear drops, especially if the eardrum has perforated or if there is significant ear canal inflammation.
Decongestants and antihistamines have not been shown to help middle ear infections and are generally not recommended for routine treatment.
Do not put any drops or home remedies into your child’s ear unless a doctor has advised it.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact your doctor, urgent care, or a local clinic if your child:

Is six months of age or younger and you suspect an ear infection
Has a high fever or severe ear pain
Has ear discharge that lasts more than 24 hours
Continues to have fever or bad earache 48 hours after starting treatment
Still seems to have trouble hearing 6–8 weeks after an ear infection
Seems to be getting worse at any time, or you are worried

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Ear Infections

If you need help with middle ear infections in Grand Rapids, MI, you can contact:

Your pediatrician or family doctor
Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (part of Corewell Health, formerly Spectrum Health) – pediatric emergency and specialty care
Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health – hospital and urgent care services
Kent County Health Department – information on children’s health, immunizations, and local clinics
Grand Rapids Public Health resources – for families needing low‑cost or sliding‑scale care

For after‑hours questions, many local practices have nurse advice lines. You can also call your health system’s 24/7 nurse triage service (check the number on your insurance card or hospital website).

Preventing Middle Ear Infections in West Michigan

You can reduce your child’s risk by:

Keeping up with childhood vaccinations, including:
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Flu shot every fall (important in Michigan’s long flu season)
Avoiding secondhand smoke
Breastfeeding if possible, especially in the first 6–12 months
Keeping your child’s nose and sinuses clear during colds
Practicing good handwashing, especially during the school year and winter months

Key Points to Remember

Middle ear infections (otitis media) are very common and usually painful, especially in babies and young children.
They often happen during or after a cold and are more frequent in the fall and winter in Grand Rapids, MI.
Fluid can build up behind the eardrum and cause temporary hearing loss (glue ear). This is usually not permanent, but sometimes needs treatment.
Not all ear infections need antibiotics; your doctor will decide based on your child’s age and symptoms.
If antibiotics are prescribed, your child should finish the entire course, even if they feel better.
Most children recover fully and do not have long‑term problems from middle ear infections.
Seek medical care promptly if your child is very young, very unwell, or not improving.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and are concerned about your child’s ears, contact your local pediatrician, an urgent care clinic, or one of the major health systems for evaluation and guidance.