It has been estimated that as many as 95% of all children have at least one ear infection by the time they are 6 years old. There are several different types of ear infections. "External otitis" or outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear), is an acute infection that is usually occurs just before an upper respiratory infection or allergy problem. The ear canal, extending from the eardrum to the outside, becomes inflamed and swollen. Symptoms can include: fever, discharge from the ear, and often includes severe and throbbing pain, that gets worse when the earlobe is touched or pulled on. Impacted ear wax that traps water in the ear canal is often responsible of a primary cause of the problem.

Middle ear infections "otitis media" are very common in infants and children. The site of this  infection is behind the eardrum, where the small bones of the ear are located. Symptoms include: earache, sharp/dull throbbing pain, a feeling that the ear is full, and pressure inside the ear. Fevers as high as 103°F or high altitudes can increase the discomfort and the infection.

A severe middle ear infection can cause perforation of the eardrum. If this happens, it can actually cause a sudden reduction in pain. Because the pain of an ear infection results when pressure builds up in restricted spaces, the pressure upon sensitive nerve endings in the ear causes pain. A perforated eardrum results in hearing loss and a discharge of bloody fluid from the ear.

Frequent middle ear infections, or recurrent otitis media, affects 30% or more of children under the age of six. This is the most frequent diagnosis in clinical medical practice. A variety of different  bacteria and viruses can cause middle ear infections. One of the leading causes of ear infection in  children is a bacterium called Branhamella catarrahalis "B-cat". Another cause of frequent ear  infections in children is food allergies. Babies may be allergic to milk and so changing that may help. It is known that babies that are breastfeed have less ear infections due to allergies.