Why do children get ear infections in the winter?

It seems really weird that our parents (post WWII parents) say wear a hat over your ears to keep out the cold and thus the infections. And when you don't you get them more often then not. Yet the truth is the cold does not cause the infections, but why more often in the winter months and when your not putting hats over their ears do the infections occur?

People in general get sick more often during the colder months due to the fact that the colder temperatures allow viruses to live longer and therefore increase the likelihood of finding a host.

maybe the hats are extra protection to prevent spreading

I get earache if I don't wear a hat in the cold. But if I get a sore throat it often comes with earache, and sometimes cheese gives me a sore throat and cotton wool in the ears and honey in tea works for me.

Not to repeat what someone already said, but I work in a clinical lab, and viral infections go through the roof during the winter months due to the cold and less humid air. Viruses are able to live longer and travel much better. I believe most ear infections happen to be viral.

wot did you say