Ear Congestion and Infections Many children suffer from recurrent ear infections. This is because the drainage tube from the ear to the back of the throat (called the Eustachian Tube) is very small in children and easily blocked. Severe infections with significant hearing loss may require medical intervention. By the age of about 6 years the skull shape changes and symptoms usually resolve. Osteopaths often find these children have retained moulding and restrictions through the temporal bones at the side of the head where the ear sits, as well as through the upper neck, throat & jaw. These may be from a traumatic birth process where, for instance, the birth was very long, the baby got stuck, and forceps or ventouse were used. These factors may prevent correct drainage from the ear through the Eustachian Tube resulting in recurrent or chronic ear infections and intermittent hearing loss. Your Osteopath will release any bony or soft tissue structures that are preventing the Eustachian Tube from functioning smoothly. Your Osteopath may also teach you some home exercises to promote good drainage. Although there is no current definative research that Osteopathy helps with middle ear congestion and infection, many parents report improvement following treatment.