How common are middle-ear infections?
Ear infection is one of the most common childhood illnesses. Up to 95% of all children have a middle-ear infection (otitis media) at least once by the time they are 7 years old. Most ear infections occur in children up to 3 years of age.1 Otitis media is not very common in adults.
Ear infections are more common in males, Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Aboriginal Australians.
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH | Last Updated: February 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Charles M. Myer, III, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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