The Doctor Is In

Your questions about child health answered

David Tejeda, M.D.,
chief of pediatrics

A: These monitors, which sell for about $50, cannot diagnose ear infections or replace an exam by an experienced clinician. They use sound waves to determine the probability of fluid behind the eardrum. Fluid in the middle ear is fairly common with colds. This fluid typically resolves on its own and does not usually develop into an ear infection. If fluid is present and the child has a fever and/or is complaining of ear pain, then an infection is more likely and you should consult your pediatrician.

The monitor can be useful to help determine if fluid is persisting, though it is not typically necessary to do so. It is not reliable in children less than 6 months of age, or with ear tubes, perforated eardrums and/or ear drainage. I do not recommend use of this device as a routine for my patients.

To Learn More
If you have a child’s health question that you want addressed in a future issue of HealthyKids, e-mail it to us at miyashl@sutterhealth.org, or visit www.cpmc.org/pediatrics. Due to space limitations, we cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered.