Ear, nose, and throat disorders, particularly infections, are extremely common among children.

• Ear infections occur almost as often as the common cold. They can develop behind the eardrum (in the middle ear), called otitis media, or in front of the eardrum (in the outer ear), called otitis externa or external otitis (see Outer Ear Disorders: External Otitis).
• Throat infections are usually not serious, but they make children uncomfortable and can lead to missed school days and multiple visits to a doctor. (See Symptoms of Nose and Throat Disorders: Sore Throat.)

Other disorders, such as hearing impairment and neck masses, affect fewer children but are potentially serious. In general, any abnormality of a child's ear, nose, or throat that does not resolve within several days should be evaluated by a doctor.

Last full review/revision January 2009 by Robert J. Ruben, MD