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 cause the ear canal to become red and swollen, a condition known as swimmer's ear or otitis externa. Water in the ear and the onset of swimmer's ear can result from several causes.