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.
Pacifier: An artificial nipple, usually made of plastic, upon which an infant can suck to gain some solace and quiet down. A pacifier is called by other names in other countries including a dummy in the U.K. Pacifiers have been claimed to cause early weaning. However, a study (JAMA, July 18, 2001) was done of women who were planned to breastfeed for at least 3 months.