Ear Infections

I've heard that going to the chiropractor can help - she might need an adjustment somewhere round her neck/jaw?

Garlic oil off a warm teaspoon into her ears (as long as they aren't perforated!!) can be a big help. If her immune system is low I'd take her to a naturopath and get some echinacea or something. That helped Jake hugely!

Ear infections don't necessarily mean grommets though, Jack's had about 5 or 6 that he's been treated for, and more all up. But... so far he's not actually getting any damage and its not impacting his hearing so there's no point for grommets (I wouldn't hesitate getting them if there was a need as we have med insurance).

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1 drop in each ear can help soften up the wax, let it drain more and hence not cause as many ear infections. I was only told about this by my doctor yesterday so have only just started doing it.

Also, get her checked for narrow ear canals. DH's genes have been passed on to Jack so he'll probably need his ears syringed quite a bit like DH did.

It depends if there is fluid in the ear. If there is fluid in the ear (glue ear) that is getting infected and causing the ear infections, then it's definitely a good case for grommets. If it's been a constant issue for the past few months, I'd definitely ask for a referral to an ENT specialist, either publically or privately if you have medical insurance. I've found that, great as my GP is, she just doesn't have the equipment to get a good look at the girls ears, especially when they are so small and wriggly.

Wax doesn't have any bearing at all on ear infections - kids can have ears full of wax and have no problems with their ears at all. The only time it is a problem is when there are grommets in and the wax can block the grommets causing pressure and pain.

This is probably the best local info I've found on ear infections. The doctor that compiled the site is my girls ENT specialist, and also works extensively at Starship in the ENT/ORL clinic there.