Motherhood Meets Medicine

123. Ear Infections Demystified: A Parent's Guide to Prevention and Treatment with Dr. Nicole Aaronson

Listen Later

Ear infections are not uncommon in children but what can we do to prevent them? Do they always need to be treated with antibiotics? My guest today, Dr. Nicole Aaronson is discussing these topics and sharing her insight on ear infections in children.

Dr. Nicole Aaronson is board certified in both otolaryngology and pediatric otolaryngology. She takes care of kids in the clinic, OR, and hospital setting. She works at Nemours Hospital for Children - Delaware Valley at the main hospital in Wilmington, DE, and the ambulatory surgery center in Deptford, NJ. 

In today's episode we discuss why children are prone to ear infections, how to prevent them, when to treat and when to watch and wait, and tips for how to equalize pressure on flights.


In this episode, we discuss:

  • Why children get ear infections more than adults
  •  How pacifier use, bottles, and smoke can increase the frequency of ear infections
  • The difference between a middle ear infection and an outer ear infection
  • When to treat ear infections and when to watch and wait if they resolve on their own
  • Why waiting on using antibiotics as a treatment for an ear infection is a better idea than always using them
  • What research shows for ear infection treatment with things like xylitol, probiotics, herbs, homeopathy, and alcohol
  • What medicine or pain relief methods do you recommend for children
  • When ear tubes are needed, how they affect hearing, and how long they stay in
  • How the treatment for otitis media differs from otitis externa
  • What parents can do to try to prevent ear infections in their children
  • Why you do not need to be cleaning your ears
  • How to relieve pressure for adults and kids when flying


    • Resources:

    • Dr. Nicole Aaronson’s YouTube Channel


    Discount Codes From Our Sponsors:

    • Navy Hair Care Shampoo + Conditioner: use code LYNZY for 30% off
    • Navy Hair Care Charcoal Mask: use code LYNZY for 30% off
    • AG1: Get a free one year supply of Vitamin D and 5 free AG1 travel packs with your first purchase: www.drinkag1.com/lynzy


      • Connect with Lynzy:

      • Instagram: @motherhoodmeetsmedicine
      • Sign up for the weekly newsletter here
      • lynzyandco.com

        • Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store
        Motherhood Meets MedicineBy Lynzy Coughlin
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9
        • 4.9

        4.9

        1,129 ratings

        More shows like Motherhood Meets Medicine

        View all
        Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled by JLML Press

        Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

        3,659 Listeners

        The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

        The Lazy Genius Podcast

        6,676 Listeners

        The Daily by The New York Times

        The Daily

        112,946 Listeners

        Up First from NPR by NPR

        Up First from NPR

        56,549 Listeners

        Crime Junkie by audiochuck

        Crime Junkie

        368,741 Listeners

        Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard by Armchair Umbrella

        Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

        69,819 Listeners

        Call Her Daddy by Alex Cooper

        Call Her Daddy

        165,790 Listeners

        On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

        On Purpose with Jay Shetty

        27,694 Listeners

        Maximized Minimalist Podcast by Katy Wells

        Maximized Minimalist Podcast

        921 Listeners

        Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

        Raising Good Humans

        1,891 Listeners

        Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

        Good Inside with Dr. Becky

        4,518 Listeners

        The Deck by audiochuck

        The Deck

        11,728 Listeners

        Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn by Dr. Cathryn

        Toddlers Made Easy with Dr Cathryn

        167 Listeners

        The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

        The Mel Robbins Podcast

        20,212 Listeners

        The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) by Ascension

        The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

        11,341 Listeners