What Are the Symptoms of an Ear Infection?
The symptoms of an ear infection in adults are:
- Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain)
- A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm drainage from the ear canal
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Nausea
- Muffled hearing
- Ear drainage
In children, the symptoms are:
- Tugging at the ear
- Poor sleep
- Fever
- Irritability, restlessness
- Ear drainage
- Diminished appetite
- Crying at night when lying down
Call Your Doctor About an Ear Infection If:
- Body temperature rises above 100.4 degrees; a fever signals the possibility of a more serious infection (especially in infants and young children)
- You or your child frequently develops ear infections; repeated bouts with the disorder can lead to hearing loss or more serious infections
- You or your child has hearing problems; the infection may be the cause
- You suspect that your young child has an ear infection
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- Your child develops a stiff neck
- Your child is very lethargic, responds poorly, or is inconsolable
