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It’s conventional wisdom among some people that taking zinc is a natural defense against the common cold. But can it also help fend off an ear infection and promote total ear health?

Sadly, some recently announced research apparently shows that the answer is no. There’s “no convincing evidence” according to the investigators who conducted the study.

The results were published in April, 2010, in The Cochrane Database. The Database is part of the Cochrane Collaboration, which is an international, independent, not-for-profit organization. It is comprised of approximately 27,000 contributors around the world. Their role is in making up-to-date, accurate news about health and related issues readily available readily accessible everywhere.

One team of researchers reviewed data from 10 different random trials in which children were given zinc supplements weekly for one month to prevent ear infections. Overall, the researchers found that those children got fewer infections than kids who got placebos.

There was a notable exception, however: children who were undernourished. One study concluded that these children had a lower risk of middle-ear infections after taking zinc. But in otherwise healthy children, the evidence was weak.

According to doctors, the best way to treat an ear infection is to take a mild pain reliever and wait a few days. Around 80% of bacterial ear infections clear up on their own in that time. But when symptoms have not gone away after 3-5 days, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription.

Zinc has been considered a good way to fight colds for a long time. It is a micro nutrient which the human body only needs in small quantities. It is said to help boost the immune system while fighting infections.

However, in recent studies, scientists have been able to to find much support for its effectiveness as a preventive measure for ear infections and overall ear health.

Ear infections often occur because a small tube connects your ear to your throat. A cold can cause this tube to swell. When the tube swells up enough to become blocked, it can trap fluid inside your ear. This makes it a great place for germs to grow and cause an infection.

As many parents learn, a middle-ear infection (medically known as otitis media) is a common occurrence prior to age 3. 75% of all kids get at least one. Ear infections frequently happen to children because their tubes are smaller and get blocked more easily.

Home treatment for an ear infection usually starts with an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen. You can also apply a warm washcloth or heating pad on the ear. Rest is important, and remember – don’t give aspirin to children. Your doctor may suggest eardrops that can help ear pain.

Minor surgery to insert tubes in the ears may help if your child has hearing problems or repetitive infections. These “ear tube” procedures have become quite common and are very effective. They’re usually done on an outpatient basis.