How Common Are Childhood Ear Infections?
The diagnosis of a middle ear infection (also known as otitis media) is the most common diagnosis made by doctors who take care of children. Past research has shown almost 50% of children have had at least one episode of otitis media by one year of age. By age three, 70% of children have had one episode while 33% have had more than three. Over 2 billion dollars are spent each year on the medical and surgical treatment of this disease.