The Most Common Questions We Hear from Families

You asked, and we listened. At Deebo, we believe healthcare begins at home. Parents everywhere share the same questions and concerns, and this page is here to remind you—you’re not alone on this journey.

1. Is this an ear infection or just leftover gunk from a cold?

   When kids have upper respiratory symptoms, like during a cold or allergies, they may also build up fluid in their ears. This is common and generally resolves on its own within a few weeks, though it can bother some children and muffle their hearing. Kids are more prone to middle ear infections during these times. Signs would include ear pain, holding the ears, fever, and irritability. You might also be able to see sings of an infection with your Deebo Otoscope® such as a red or bulging ear drum.

2. Why does my kid keep getting ear infections – like every time they get sick?

   When kids are sick, inflammation and swelling in the back of the nose and throat can impair function of the Eustachian tube which helps get air back-and-forth to the ear. When it swells shut, pressure buildup up in the middle ear (behind the ear drum) and fluid can fill that space. When fluid sits there for too long, it’s prone to getting infected by bacteria in the area. Some kids have more trouble than others with their Eustachian tube function and, unfortunately, more ear infections.

3. My child always sounds congested even when they’re not sick. What’s up with that?

   Congestion in children can be due to a number of factors. If it’s not a cold, they could be having symptoms due to allergies. Some kids also have anatomic reasons for this including large adenoids. Adenoids are a bit similar to tonsils, but sit in the back of the nose so are a little harder to see. Big adenoids can block airflow through the nose causing congestion, mouth breathing, and even snoring.

4. My kid has a sore throat – is it just a virus or could it be strep?

   While viruses are the most common cause of sore throats in children, up to one third of cases may be due to bacterial infection with Group A Streptococcus, called “strep throat”. Usually, kids with strep throat feel pretty bad – they may have a fever and redness of the tonsils or back of the throat. Pediatricians often test kids for strep throat and, if positive, generally recommend a course of antibiotic treatment.

5. Is it safe for me to use an otoscope at home? Will I hurt my child?

   Yes, it is safe to use an otoscope at home. In fact, many parents find it straightforward with just a little practice and patience. The Deebo® otoscope is designed specifically for home use, with features that make it easy to gently examine your child’s ears, nose, and throat. It’s also FDA-approved, which means it meets strict safety and quality standards for medical devices used at home.

   We know you are not replacing your doctor — you’re simply gathering useful information that can help guide decisions, which allows us to be a collaborative team. In my experience, parents who use an otoscope at home are often able to recognize changes early and communicate more clearly with their healthcare provider, resulting in better care for their little ones.

6. When should I actually take them to the doctor?

   You know your kid better than anyone and your judgement is very important here. When kids have a fever, significant pain, or findings on physical exam like redness of the throat or a red and bulging ear drum, it’s a good idea to have them seen by a doctor. Whenever you’re not sure, it’s always better to err on the side of getting some help and medical advice.