'''Ear infections''' are the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Most often, the infection affects the middle ear and is called '''otitis media'''. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot pass through the fluid. | '''Ear infections''' are the most common illnesses in babies and young children. Most often, the infection affects the middle ear and is called '''otitis media'''. The tubes inside the ears become clogged with fluid and mucus. This can affect hearing, because sound cannot pass through the fluid. |