The Air Force Safety Center is a Field Operating Agency with headquarters at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
The Finnish researchers are unsure why the use of a pacifier might lead to an ear infection, but theorized it may have something to do with the change in pressure equilibrium inside the ear caused by the sucking.
My children have their pacifiers until around age three. At one year we limit it to naps and betime. The only time they walk around with it is when they are out and about and super tired or not feeling well and laying around the house. My children do not have it in their mouth 24/7. I let them get rid of it in their own time.