Is it true? If I give my 1 month old daughter a bath and I get water in her ear or ears, she will get an ear infection and become deaf when she grows up.
2006-11-17 02:36:49 · 22 answers · asked by reallaos1 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My daughter had a tendency to get ear infections, her doctor said that water in the ears would irratate, but not cause the infections...her infections were because of sinus drainage...she has bad allergies....her ENT doc said that there is no hearing damage...even if her hearing was compromised then tubes would be inserted temporarily....there is no need to worry...btw, the best way to tell if your infant is getting an ear infection is to use an ear thermometer and take the reading in both ears....if the temperature difference is drastic....i.e. more than .5 degree difference....then it is possible that she is getting an infection and it is a good time to call the doc....babies get ear infections all the time...just stay calm and have a good relationship with your pediatrician.
2006-11-17 03:36:03 · answer #1 · answered by OwlGirl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Babies have shorter Eustachian tubes in their ears and are more prone to ear infections. You can safely give babies a bath and avoid getting excessive water in their ears by using a damp washcloth to clean their head and face. An ear infection is painful but not likely to cause hearing problems if taken care of promptly by a visit to the doctor. Babies often pull on their ears and cry if they have an ear infection, a low grade fever is often a sign too. If you suspect that the baby has water in it's ear lay the baby on it's side and let the water run out and then dry the outside with a dry cloth or cotton swab, never stick a cotton swab into the ear canal.
2006-11-17 10:53:08 · answer #2 · answered by d-lishes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! It's not necessary to scrub a small a baby but you can wash her gently. You don't need to submerge her into water. If she gets water in her ears consistently and if the ear canal had bacteria it could become an infected ear - it's called swimmer's ear. But you have to have the water going into the ears alot to get that. And it doesn't cause deafness.
Do ask your doctor or nurse next time you go into the office - only they can really give you professional advice that works just for your baby. They can teach you so much - have your questions listed and take with you so you can remember to ask them.
Best of luck!
2006-11-17 10:44:13 · answer #3 · answered by MissHazel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Relax - I know it's scary, so much to learn and so many things to worry about!! But think about it - if that was true, just about every person on the planet would be deaf! Recurrent ear infections can cause problems in the development of speech, but they aren't likely to be caused by bathing. If you're really concerned, just make sure you gently swab out her little ears with cotton swabs after she's dried off.
2006-11-17 10:47:55 · answer #4 · answered by woodlands127 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ear infection could be a possibility(because the moisture causing the bacteria to grow in the ear) but deafness doesn't occur from water in the ear at any age
2006-11-17 10:46:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I can only speak from experience. I have two children which both of whom I've given a regular bath after the umbilical cord fell off and neither one of them has gotten an ear infection from getting water in there ears. I would call your doctor for specific answers.
2006-11-17 10:45:26 · answer #6 · answered by Allison S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An ear infection is BEHIND the ear drum (inside the inner ear). Water in the ear is on the outside of the ear drum. Your baby can NOT get an ear infection from getting water in hear ears. If you do get water in her ears, it'll be annoying though. (Think of when you go swimming and get water in your ears.)
2006-11-17 16:05:32 · answer #7 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. This is not true.
Just keep your babys head out of the water and bath her gently and carefully. Avoid getting water in her eyes because it will hurt her very briefly and she'll cry. Avoid getting water in her ears, and if you do - just dry them thoroughly after her bath so that the water doesn't stay in there.
2006-11-17 10:43:49 · answer #8 · answered by steve d 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no this isn't true but try to be careful when bathing your baby as water in the ear or eyes can be very uncomfoortable for a young baby...if water does enter these parts then clean it out in a sensible manner
2006-11-17 10:43:24 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, of course that is not true.... you shouldn't be pouring water in there or anything, but regular washing isn't going to do anything......Check out the book :
What to expect : the toddler years by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff, Sandee Eisenberg Hathaway. It will help with baby questions from birth through the first year and with your body and relationship questions....it's everything you need to know! The authors have written a whole series of books from pregnancy through all the school years….. they are the best!
2006-11-17 10:47:08 · answer #10 · answered by jachooz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋