Otitis media is an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, and it's fairly common - affecting thousands of children 6-36 months of age. In fact, it's estimated that one-third of the child population will experience six or more episodes of otitis media before starting school, and some will endure as many as 12 episodes in a given year.
Adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy (removal of the adenoids and/or the tonsils) are the most common major surgical procedures performed on children in Australia, and the rationale behind them is often to relieve the pain and discomfort of recurrent otitis media. However, a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association found that these surgeries were ineffective in resolving otitis media or preventing its recurrence.
Specifically, the authors noted that "the effectiveness of surgery... was modest and limited mainly to the first follow-up year." The authors also pointed out that complications and/or side effects associated with surgery did occur, especially in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy (14.6% of patients suffering complications). And their conclusion says it all: "...neither operation should be considered a first surgical intervention in children whose only indication is recurrent acute otitis media."
For more information on nonsurgical alternatives for resolving otitis media, talk to Doctor Hooper or the team. Chiropractic care and natural medicine is regularly used in the treatment of otitis media. 
There are a range of issues to be considered. These may include:
1. Neurological changes within the child's cervical spine (neck)
The nerve supply to the inner ear comes from the upper neck. Problems within cervical spine can have a negative impact on the nerve traffic to the inner ear. No part of the body (including the inner ear) will work correctly without a proper nerve supply. Remove the interference to the nerve supply of the inner ear and many recurrent ear infections will resolve by themselves.
2. Mechanical changes within the child's cervical spine
The Auditory (Eustachian) tube is located a few centimetres from the second cervical vertebrae (C2: The Axis). If the upper Cervical spine does not work correctly and becomes jammed or fixated due to a fall, trauma, forceps deliveries etc., this will have a direct impact on the drainage ability of the auditory tube. A Chiropractic correction at C2 will often help to clear the auditory tube over time.
3. Absolute or relative lactose intolerance
I find that most children a mildly to moderately lactose intolerant. We are the only mammals that do not wean. Cow's milk is different to Human milk. Many children suffer with congestion and mucus problems when they are transferred to cow's milk. If the child has problems tolerating lactose they often produce excess mucous. The auditory tube is very thin in small children and will quickly "clog up", even without a "runny nose". A blocked auditory tube will cause back pressure on the ear drum (tremendous pain) and provide a perfect, warm breeding environment for bacteria.
4. Use natural medicine to reduce the mucous and clear the inflammation
We have many safe and gentle natural medicines that can be used to help clear the mucous and remove congestion. Ear infections are often associated with other upper respiratory tract infections (cold and flu's). Simple celloids (from Blackmores) or Chinese Medicines can be used to clear the mucous and help resolve the inflammation to decrease your child's pain.
Reference:
Paradise JL, Bluestone CD, Colborn DK, et al. Adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy for recurrent acute otitis media. Journal of the American Medical Association, Sept. 8, 1999: Vol. 282, No. 10, pp945-53.
