A toddler is diagnosed with acute otitis media following an upper respiratory tract infection. The practical nurse (PN) explains to the parent that the predisposition for otitis media in young children is related to which difference as compared to adults?

Most young children have poor immunity against ear infections.

The exposure to other children with upper respiratory infections is more frequent.

Eustachian tubes in young children are shorter and straighter than in the adult.

The inner ear offers little protection from infection.