Ear Structure

The Ear Comprises the Outer, Middle and Inner Ear. The outer and middle ear are separated by the Ear Drum (Tympanic Membrane). The Ear functions not only as a hearing organ but is also involve in balance.

Most of the problems affecting children are in the outer and middle ear.

Outer Ear Infection (Otitis Externa)

Outer ear infection in children is called otitis externa. This is also called Swimmer’s Ear. This is usually bacterial or fungal in nature. The ear drum is intact in this situation.

Symptoms of Children’s outer ear infection (otitis externa)

Pain (This can be severe enough to affect eating and sleep)

Ear discharge (usually a coloured discharge which can be fouling)

Hearing loss (when the debris and discharge blocks the ear)

Tinnitus (ringing sound in the ear)

What causes an Children’s Outer Ear infection?

Trauma: self cleaning of the ear with cotton buds, ear picks

Foreign Body: Children sometimes insert beads and outer small objects into the ear and this can cause an ear infection. In rare cases insects crawling into the ear canal can cause a very severe ear infection resulting in pain and swelling

Swimming in contaminated water can cause a ear infection

Middle Ear Infection – Otitis Media

Middle ear infection (medically termed otitis media) generally refers to an infection of the middle part of the ear,  that lies behind the eardrum.

Ear infections are common in babies and young children, especially those aged six to 18 months. Most children will have an ear infection before the age of five.

Most cases are not serious but they can be very painful and distressing.

What causes a Children’s Middle Ear infection?

Children ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria that infect the middle ear.
In children, the Eustachian tube, which runs from the ear to the back of the throat, is short, and more horizontal than in adults. It becomes blocked more easily, such as during a common cold.

When the tube becomes blocked, fluid does not drain away from the middle ear as it normally does. The virus or bacteria can migrate up the Eustachian tube causing a middle ear infection. The germs are found in the nose and throat.

Other causes are:
• an upper respiratory tract infection
• sudden changes in air pressure (i.e. airline travel)
• smaller than average Eustachian tubes
 
What are the symptoms Children’s Ear Infection?

The first signs of infection are often similar to those of a cold, with a stuffy, blocked or runny nose and mild fever. Your child is generally irritable may not want to eat or sleep. Sometimes there is a discharge (pus or blood) coming from the ear.
An older child may complain of an earache, headache or deafness. A younger child may simply pull at their ear or be upset. Babies (up to 12 months) can become extremely irritable, shove fingers in their ears and lose their appetite.
Sometimes the symptoms are very mild and the ear infection is only picked up when a doctor looks at your child’s ears.

Christina Ho
Christina Ho
2024-06-16
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I've been seeing Dr Pang since Dec'23 for loud ringing noises in one of my ears. Unlike most other specialist clinics, I didn't have to wait long to be seen for each appointment. Whenever specific medical tests were required, all tests were arranged by the clinic, reducing much anxiety and stress. Tests were carried out punctually and efficiently, within the clinic, doing away with the hassle of searching around the hospital for the location of the testing departments. After the tests, the reports were all sent to me via Whatsapp, which made things really convenient. Dr Pang has listened patiently to all the symptoms and problems I've mentioned regarding the ear issues. With the treatment advised, I've found that the prescribed medication has not only helped me cope better with the ringing noises, but I've gradually experienced improvements in my overall physical well-being.
Manuel Hall
Manuel Hall
2024-06-11
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My sinus problems were solved in 1 week, the way the doctor managed the symptoms and the treatment was very effective.
jing wang
jing wang
2024-06-10
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This time, I accompanied my child to check her nasal cavity. Dr. Pang was gentle, patient and meticulous in reducing the child's fear.
Raymond Lee
Raymond Lee
2024-06-04
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Dr Pang is a very professional specialist in ENT, I visited him twice, last year is about my ear tinnitus, did and MRI and everything is good, this time is for my nose. Dr Pang is patience to explain everything to me. I will definitely recommend Dr pang to anyone who need.
Raeanne Ang
Raeanne Ang
2024-05-21
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Thanks to Dr Pang I have been able to get rid of nasal congestion and deal with allergies that have been affecting my quality of life for many years
Phil L
Phil L
2024-05-07
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Doctor Pang was approachable and knowledgeable. He very quickly understood and explained my problems and recommended a holistic treatment plan. I have experienced amazing results thus far just one month into treatment.
Toh Kai Sheng Edwin
Toh Kai Sheng Edwin
2024-05-02
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Was suffering from bad vertigo and constant dizziness. Visited Dr Pang and the condition has improved significantly.
aki menyanan
aki menyanan
2024-04-30
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I recomend the doctor to people with allergies. He is very patient and friendly when talking. He succesfully helped my daughter with her allergies. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Michiko. H
Michiko. H
2024-04-30
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I've had very bad allergies to dust mites and often getting runny nose and sneezing. Dr. Pang gave us the correct medication that has helped me cure my allergies. Not only that, he is also very friendly while talking and is very intelligent when giving us medication.

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