Frequent Ear Infections: What Can I Do at Home?

Ear tugging, fussiness, and disrupted sleep. Once your child has a couple ear infections, you start to recognize the tell-tale signs. It's really frustrating to decide what to do next. If you call the pediatrician too soon, they'll tell you to wait a few days. When symptoms don't improve, you wish the pediatrician could have done something sooner.

Sound familiar?

Luckily, home care is evolving. You no longer have to wonder how the inside of their ears looks. The Deebo otoscope lets you see inside your child's ear so you can tell your healthcare provider what you see. It's a simple tool that anyone can learn to use.

Ear Infections: Why They Happen More Often In Kids

Ear infections can affect one or both ears and are most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 6 months and 3 years. There are a couple of key reasons they are more common in this age group.

1 - Developing Immune System

We expect babies and young children to catch about 6-10 colds each year. The immune system is developing; there are simply more opportunities for bacteria and viruses to cause an ear infection.

2 - Ear Anatomy Differences

One key difference between babies' and adult ears is the length and position of the Eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear to the back of your throat, and it helps regulate ear pressure. In babies, the eustachian tube is essentially short, straight, and narrow, which makes it easy for fluid to back up and get stuck in the middle ear. The tube elongates and widens as little ones grow, making it more difficult to 'clog' the tube.

How An Otoscope Can Help Parents

Parents blessed with little ones who experience frequent ear infections know how frustrating the entire process can be. If you make an appointment too soon, you'll just be told to wait a few days. If you wait too long, your kiddo is miserable. Maybe the entire process would be a bit smoother if you could just see what's happening in their ears.

The Deebo otoscope empowers you to see inside your child's ear. It lets you make informed decisions about when to call the pediatrician. It's a quick, easy exam that provides you with a lot of information.

With an otoscope in your medicine cabinet, you can see what's happening in your child's ear without relying on symptoms like fussiness and ear tugging alone. When you call the pediatrician's office, you can tell them exactly what you've seen.

What You Can See With An Otoscope

The Deebo otoscope is a simple tool you can use when you're worried an ear infection is brewing. The light and magnifying glass make it easy to see the eardrum and ear canal. Deebo's also great for looking in the nose and throat.

Use Deebo to screen for:

• Ear infections
• Ear Wax
• Allergies
• Sore Throat
• Colds
• Cuts

The Deebo otoscope was specially developed for parents by clinicians. It's simple to use and empowers you to make informed decisions when your little one is sick.

Ways To Soothe Earaches At Home

Ear infections are uncomfortable, and it's hard to feel like you're not doing anything to help. Comfort measures and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often enough to help soothe the pain and discomfort.

• Tylenol and ibuprofen - follow the directions on the package for your child's age and weight.
• Warm or cool compresses - You can try either to see which one your child likes best.
• Rest - don't force activities; allow your child to rest and sleep
• Drink plenty of fluids - Offer age-appropriate fluids at frequent intervals
• Elevate their head - being upright may be more comfortable than lying flat
• Comfort - Nothing beats snuggling with a loved one when you're not feeling well.

Avoid oils, ear drops, or other remedies unless you ask your pediatrician first.

Every child's needs are unique. As a parent, call your pediatrician's office whenever you are concerned about symptoms. With a Deebo home otoscope, your call will be better informed and more specific, leading to better decision-making for the health of your child.

The Deebo otoscope is expected to launch at the end of 2023. Be the first to know when it's available by signing up now. We'll send you a special discount only available to our pre-launch subscribers, and we promise not to send a bunch of spam.