Why do children have more ear infections than adults?

Why do children have more ear infections than adults?

Jason Hamilton (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) gives expert video advice on: What is an ear infection?; What ear infection symptoms do children and teens experience?; What activities should I avoid if I have an ear infection? and more...

Children have more ear infections than adults because of their Eustachian tube. Children's' Eustachian tubes are horizontal, so bacteria can travel from the back of the nose directly into the middle ear on a simpler path. In adults, the Eustachian tube is more vertical, so it's more difficult for bacteria and fluids to get from the nose and throat up into the middle ear. That's the simple reason why children get more ear infections. Bottle feeding or breast-feeding with the baby laying horizontally allows that fluid to travel easier from the nose or the throat up into the middle ear, and that's another reason why babies get more infections than adults.