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.
Bacteria and viruses can cause middle ear infection. Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), nontypable Hemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis account for about 85% of cases of acute otitis media. Viruses account for the remaining 15%. Chronic otitis media often has fewer and milder symptoms.