[HALEY]

Recurrent ear infections can lead to hearing loss as well. During these infections, a child's middle ear can fill with fluid that becomes infected. The fluid, which often remains in the ear for weeks after the infection is gone, can cause both temporary hearing loss (because it's hard to hear through an ear filled with fluid) and permanent hearing loss (since the fluid can erode or scar the eardrum over time).

If your baby has recurrent ear infections or middle ear fluid, his doctor may recommend a hearing test. She may also recommend inserting tubes into your baby's eardrums so that any fluid that accumulates behind them will be able to drain out.