What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

In adults, the symptoms of an ear infection can be easy to recognize. The primary symptom is pain in the ear; others include fever, trouble sleeping, headaches, hearing loss and fluid drainage from the ear. For adults, ear infections are not usually serious conditions. Much more unsettling are ear infections that occur in children ages 3 or younger, who may not be old enough to articulate the symptoms. As a parent, seeing a child in distress and not knowing the cause can be upsetting. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 90 percent of children will have had at least one ear infection before they start school. Parents and caregivers should be alert for common signs of ear infection, which are listed below.

Irritability

Children who have ear infections may become irritable, which may manifest into unusual bouts of crying or more crankiness than normal. Ear infections are generally caused by the same bacteria or viruses that cause colds, so it may be difficult to tell whether your child is irritable because of the cold or because ear pain has developed. That’s why it’s important to watch for any changes in behavior or temperament. Lying down can cause pressure changes in the middle ear, which can lead to pain and sleep disturbances and irritability.

Pulling/Tugging on Ear

If a child is too young to declare, “My ear really hurts,” he or she may use body language. Pulling or tugging on the afflicted ear is common. The tugging may offer little relief, but he or she may simply be indicating the source of the pain. Keep in mind, however, that simply tugging on the ear does not indicate that a child has an ear infection. But if tugging is present along with other symptoms, it’s best to have the child’s ear examined by a doctor.

Fluid

Fluid draining from the child’s ears is usually a sign that the pus or other fluid in the middle ear has built up so much pressure that the eardrum has burst. The burst eardrum releases the pressure in the ear, and the child often feels better. Still, it’s recommended that you seek medical attention.

Loss of Balance

Since the ears control balance via fluid levels, the fluid buildup associated with ear infections can cause a child to lose his or her balance. Again, loss of balance isn’t a sure sign of ear trouble, but when combined with other symptoms it may indicate an infection.

Hearing Difficulties

Ear fluid buildup can block sound, so it’s common for children with ear infections to show signs of impaired hearing. This may be exhibited by a child who talks louder, doesn’t seem to hear soft sounds, turns the radio volume up or sits close to the television to catch all of the words.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms that may or may not be exhibited by children with ear infections include fever, nausea or dizziness, though these can also be symptoms of many other conditions. View the Cleveland Clinic's page on ear infections for more information on ear infections in children.