A risk factor is something that increases your chance of an illness.

It is possible to get an ear infection without the risks below. The more risks you have, the better the chance of getting an ear infection. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk.

Age

Ear infections are common in children. It is much more common in children aged 6 months to 6 years than adults.

Daycare Attendance

Ear infections are often linked to viruses like colds. These types of viruses spread quickly in places where people gather, especially children. Kids who go to daycare or nursery school have a higher risk of ear infections.

Exposure to Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke can irritate airways. This can increase the risk of infections of airways. This can increase the risk of infections in ears. This holds true for smokers and children who live with smokers.

Pollution

Children who live in polluted areas have a higher rate of ear infections.

Seasons

Ear infections are most common during the fall and winter.

Other Health Issues

The risk of ear infections may be higher for people with health issues such as:

• Allergies or asthma seem to increase the risk of ear infections most often when pollen counts are high
• Illnesses that lower immune system such as AIDS
• Health issues present at birth that make it hard for the ear to drain well such as cleft palate, Down syndrome, or fetal alcohol syndrome

Daily Habits

• Children drinking from a bottle while lying down. May allow fluid to get into ears.
• Regular use of pacifier.

Family History

Ear infections may run in families. A child may have a higher risk of ear infections if older brothers or sisters had them.