Physical exam for ear infections

When doctors examine children for ear infections (acute otitis media), they may:

• Check the child's temperature. Children with ear infections often have a fever. Children with fluid behind the eardrum usually do not have a fever.
• Look into the child's ear using a pneumatic otoscope.
• Test the child's hearing (audiometry exam) if repeat ear infections are a problem or if the parents are concerned about the child's speech or hearing.
• Examine the child's eyes, nose, throat, and neck for signs of infection.
• Listen to the child's lungs for signs of an infection.