TREATING MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS – PREVENTING HEARING LOSS RISKS IN CHILDREN

During seasonal transitions, children are highly susceptible to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions, with around 75% of children experiencing at least one episode of middle ear infection before the age of three. If left untreated, middle ear infections can lead to hearing loss in children.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Võ Thanh Quang, with 45 years of experience in treating ENT conditions, highlights that middle ear infections are the most common ear infections. This condition can affect people of all ages but is especially prevalent among children due to the following reasons:

• Children’s immune systems are not fully developed and are unable to fend off bacterial invasions effectively.
• The anatomy of children’s ears is still immature. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nasal cavity, is shorter and more horizontal in children than in adults. This makes ventilation more difficult and allows inflammatory fluids from the nasal cavity to enter the middle ear, causing acute middle ear infections.

Common symptoms of middle ear infections in children include:

• Nasal inflammation/ adenoiditis: thick nasal discharge or pus
• Ear pain: children may cry, rub, or pick at their ears
• Fever
• Loose stools
• Ear discharge or pus
• Upon examining the eardrum, it may appear red, swollen, or show pus buildup.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quang emphasizes that if left unchecked or improperly treated, middle ear infections can lead to hearing loss, which may not manifest immediately but can become apparent years later, making treatment extremely challenging. Hearing loss significantly impacts children's learning and intellectual development. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and treatment must be guided by specialized consultations to ensure the safest development for children.

At Hanoi French Hospital (HFH), the treatment protocols for pediatric ENT conditions are aligned with Western standards, featuring:

• Multidisciplinary collaboration among pediatricians, ENT specialists, and other specialists to ensure long-term treatment effectiveness.
• A state-of-the-art endoscopic ENT system.
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each child based on their age, medical history, and thorough clinical examinations, including detailed endoscopy.
• Comprehensive preventive solutions are provided, including proper nasal hygiene for children and essential vaccinations to mitigate early risks.

For more information, contact us via hotline at 024 3577 1100, our Facebook page “Hanoi French Hospital,” or Zalo: zalo.me/2008009049335817955.