Ever since humans developed thumbs, both mothers and fathers have had to decide whether to let their baby suck them. Approaching the modern era, humans have created various devices, such as the pacifier, to take the place of the thumb. However, the problem remains: is it better to introduce your child to Binky or do without it? However, this question has a more complicated answer than “yes” or “no”. Undoubtedly, pacifiers “make the world a little quieter,” but if used for more than a couple of years, many potential problems often arise, such as an increased risk of middle ear infections, adverse effects on speech and dental problems, as well as problems with breastfeeding for both the baby and the mother. An unfortunate consequence is that children may experience frequent episodes of middle ear infections, some of which take months to overcome with the help of antibiotics. In an August 2009 USA Today article, statistics show that there are approximately 13 million annual cases of ear infections in children under five (Szabo). Of these 13 million cases nationwide, researchers question the role pacifiers play in recurrent middle ear infections. Recent research has linked pacifier use to an increased frequency of acute otitis media (AOM) or recurrent middle ear infections. According to Karen Olsson of US News and World Report Magazine, a study was conducted at the University of Oulu on 484 newborns, where it was found that “babies who did not use a pacifier regularly had 33% fewer acute otitis media episodes ”. Although the study shows a high correlation, critics might argue that the findings do not necessarily translate into...... half of the article ....... Works Cited Ann Benitez, Mary. "pacifiers can damage speech." La Norma 22 Oct. 2009, sec. LOCAL: 10. Print.Fletcher, Victoria. "Mannequins cause speech defects." The Express 21 October 2009: 23. Print.Olsson, Karen. “The price of peace. (Dummies can cause ear infections in newborns).” U.S. News 129 vol. September 18, 2000. Print "pacifiers can cause earaches." Calgary Herald September 21, 2000: F6. Print."Study Links Pacifiers, ear infections." The Toronto Star November 18, 1995: G10. Print.Singh, Dr. Kuljit. “Tary with pain.” New Straits Times 15 February 2009, section. LOCAL: C3. Print.Springen, Karen. "Health: children: unplug". Newsweek March 10, 2003: 43. Print.Szabo, Liz. "Pain that families know well; vaccines could provide relief for ear infections." USA Today 10 August 2009, section. LIFE: 5D. Print."Talk about dummies." Il Sole 22 Oct. 2009, sec. FEATURES: 53. Print.