Signs of Ear Infection

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An ear infection is a viral or bacterial infection of the outer, inner, or middle ear. The condition is common, particularly in children, and is generally considered to be non-serious.

An ear infection can cause painful inflammation, as well as a buildup of fluid in the ear, among other symptoms. The condition may in some cases clear up without treatment, however, treatment options – including antibiotics and pain-relief medication – are available.¹

If you are concerned that you may have an ear infection, seek a doctor’s attention to find out what the problem may be.

Signs of otitis media (middle ear infection)

Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is the most common type of ear infection. It is an infection of the cavity behind the eardrum, which is connected to the rear of the throat by the Eustachian tube.

Usually, this cavity is filled with air. As a result of a cold or a similar condition, the cavity may be filled with mucus. When this mucus becomes infected, otitis media results.

Signs and symptoms of otitis media typically include:²

• Pain in the ear (earache)
• Impaired hearing
• High temperature
• Discharge from the ear (clear, yellowish or bloody)

Pain in the ear can occur as a result of an ear infection, but it can also indicate a variety of other conditions. If a person experiences severe ear pain or if the pain lasts for longer than a few days, medical attention should be sought.

In many cases, the signs and symptoms will clear up naturally within a couple of days without treatment.

Read more about Middle Ear Infection »

Signs of otitis externa (outer ear infection)

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external section of the ear canal, which does not reach the eardrum. Most cases are caused by bacteria.

Signs and symptoms can include:²³

• Itchiness of the ear
• Discharge from the ear
• Impaired hearing
• Ear pain (especially if the ear is pulled or moved)
• Enlarged or painful lymph nodes (may only be discovered upon examination, typically not by the person experiencing the infection directly)

Read more about Otitis Externa »

If you are concerned that you may have an outer ear infection, check with your family doctor to find out what the problem may be.

Signs of labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis (inner ear infection)

Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear or the labyrinth. The condition is typically caused by a virus and is commonly experienced at the same time as or following viral illnesses, such as a viral sore throat, cold, or flu.⁴ Vestibular neuritis, another type of inner ear infection, is an infection of the vestibular nerve in the inner ear.

Signs and symptoms of both labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis may include:⁵

• Vertigo (dizziness or a feeling that one’s surroundings are spinning or moving)
• Nausea

Labyrinthitis may also cause some mild hearing loss, as well as some of the signs and symptoms common to other types of ear infections. These include:

• Earache
• Headaches
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Discharge from the ear
• Blurred or double vision

The above symptoms may also be experienced in cases of vestibular neuritis, though they are generally a lot more common with labyrinthitis, especially hearing loss and tinnitus.

Signs of ear infection in babies and toddlers

Ear infections, particularly middle ear infections, are especially common in babies and toddlers due to the relative narrowness of their Eustachian tubes.

Signs and symptoms of an ear infection in babies and toddlers may include:⁶

• High temperature (above 100.4 F or 38 °C)
• Discharge from the ear
• Increased irritability and crying
• Loss of appetite
• Pulling or touching the ear
• Sluggishness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Ear infections in babies and toddlers will usually clear up on their own, without specific treatment. However, for babies and toddlers experiencing recurrent infections that do not respond well to antibiotics, a doctor may recommend a minor surgical procedure known as a myringotomy.

The procedure involves making a small incision in the eardrum to allow fluids to drain out; a small ventilation tube, often called grommets, may also be inserted. This ear tube will typically fall out on its own in around 6 to 18 months.

Although a myringotomy and grommets are generally effective at reducing the number of ear infections experienced by young children, they can still occur. The main sign of an ear infection after tubes have been inserted in the discharge of yellowish fluid from the ear, which will commonly not be accompanied by pain or fever. Antibiotics will typically be prescribed to treat ear infections.

If you are concerned that your child may have an ear infection, search for the nearest pediatrician to find out what the problem may be.

Signs of ear infection complications

An ear infection is generally a non-serious condition, with complications being rare. In some cases, however, minor complications can occur. These may include:⁷

• Rupture of the eardrum: Also known as a tympanic membrane rupture, this is one of the most common ear infection complications. The rupture does not hurt and may lead to relief from earache. The rupture will usually heal quickly, but antibiotics (if not already prescribed) may be necessary.
• Hearing loss: The fluid buildup (effusion) that may occur as a result of infection can persist after the infection itself has resolved. This can cause short-term, but also prolonged hearing loss. Generally, the fluid will disappear naturally, though surgical treatment is available if it persists for longer than roughly three months.

Causes of ear infection

Ear infections (inner, outer, and middle) are typically caused by viral or bacterial infections, often as a result of other conditions such as a cold or flu. In the case of otitis media, these illnesses can result in a blockage of the Eustachian tubes. This blockage creates a vacuum that allows bacteria to enter the middle ear.

In the case of outer ear infections, certain factors make the occurrence more likely. These include:⁷

• Substances in the ear: Water or other substances in the ear may create an environment where an accumulation of bacteria becomes more likely. This can cause infection. The subsequent itching after infection can cause skin irritation, which may make an infection worse. As otitis externa is common in people who swim regularly, the condition is sometimes referred to as swimmer’s ear.
• Warm weather: The condition is more common in warmer countries.
• Skin issues: Irritated skin, as a result of skin problems such as eczema, may make otitis externa more likely.
• Otitis media: Ear discharge as a result of otitis media can sometimes become lodged in the ear and cause otitis externa.

Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis), in most cases, follow a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Less commonly, labyrinthitis can be caused by an infection that affects the rest of the body, such as measles, mumps, and glandular fever. In rare cases, both labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis can be caused by a bacterial infection.

Diagnosing an ear infection

A doctor will generally be able to diagnose an ear infection based on the symptoms and a physical examination. This will usually involve the use of an otoscope – a lighted, wand-like instrument – which can be used to check the ears, throat, and nose for signs of infection.

Ear infection treatment

In most cases, an ear infection will pass within a few days without treatment. At this stage, over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken (in people over 16) to manage any pain.⁸

If the signs or symptoms of infection are particularly severe or do not begin to improve in two to three days, a doctor’s visit is recommended. A doctor will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment route, which will typically involve a course of antibiotics, as well as (in the case of inner ear infections) medication to lessen nausea and the urge to vomit (antiemetic) or something to calm the central nervous system (benzodiazepine).

If antibiotics are prescribed, it can take between a week and 15 days for the infection to clear up. The symptoms may disappear before this time, but it is important to take the antibiotics for the entire prescribed course to ensure the infection is eradicated.9 If the symptoms of ear infection do not begin to clear up after two to three days of beginning a course of antibiotics, medical attention should be sought as a different variety of antibiotics may be necessary.¹⁰

Ear infection prevention

It is not always possible to prevent ear infections, as they often occur as a result of a cold or the flu. However, the chances of children developing otitis media can be reduced by:

• Not being exposed to tobacco smoke
• Keeping up to date with vaccinations
• Avoiding the use of a pacifier (especially after six months of age)

The likelihood of developing otitis externa can be reduced by taking steps such as the following:

• Avoiding putting things (fingers, cotton buds, etc) in the ears
• Using earplugs when swimming
• Avoiding getting water in the ears when bathing or showering

Signs of ear infection FAQs

Q: How do I know if I have a ruptured eardrum?
A: A ruptured eardrum is one of the most common complications of an ear infection. Its symptoms (hearing loss, earache, discharge, fever, etc) also mirror those of an ear infection, meaning it may be difficult to differentiate between the two. In some cases, however, a ruptured eardrum may result in no symptoms at all. Upon examination, a doctor will be able to identify a ruptured eardrum and advise on appropriate treatment methods. Generally, a ruptured eardrum is considered non-serious and will in most instances heal naturally without the need for medication.¹¹

Q: What is the Eustachian tube?
A: The Eustachian tube is a narrow canal that connects the middle ear to the throat (pharynx). Its main function is to ventilate the middle ear and to ensure that the air pressure in both sides of the eardrum remains equalized.¹² When the Eustachian tube becomes blocked as a result of an upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold or the flu), this can create a vacuum in which bacteria can collect and enter the middle ear. This can cause a middle ear infection.

Q: Is earache always a sign of ear infection?
A: Although earache is a common symptom of ear infection (particularly middle ear infection), earache can also be connected to other conditions such as cold, flu, a buildup of earwax, or teething in children.¹³ Following an examination, a doctor will be able to identify the root cause of earache and outline treatment options.

Q: Are there any home remedies for an ear infection?
A: Ear infections will in most cases clear up naturally without treatment. However, there are several ways that the symptoms of an ear infection can be managed at home. Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used to manage the pain associated with an ear infection, for example. A warm or cold compress may also be useful in managing pain, as can the application of warm oil (olive or vegetable) in cases where there is no perforation of the eardrum.⁹

Q: Should I be worried about an ear infection during pregnancy?
A: In the vast majority of cases, an ear infection during pregnancy poses no harm to your baby and – just as with an ear infection when you’re not pregnant – will normally remedy itself naturally. However, if the symptoms do not desist within two or three days it is a good idea to seek the advice of a medical professional.¹⁴

Q: What are the signs of infection around an ear piercing?
A: The signs of an ear-piercing infection include:¹⁵

• Red, swollen skin around the piercing
• Pain or tenderness around the piercing
• Discharge from the piercing
• High temperature

If there is a suspicion that a piercing has become infected, seek medical attention urgently to prevent a serious infection.

Q: Ear infection or teething in infants?
A: Although an ear infection and teething may share some signs and symptoms, such as increased irritability, it should be relatively straightforward to distinguish between the two. An ear infection is identifiable through signs specifically focused on the ear, such as fluid discharge and the pulling or touching of the ear, as well as more general signs, such as high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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1. CDC. “Ear Infection.” January 27, 2017. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩
2. Patient. “Ear Infection (Otitis Media).” January 7, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩ ↩
3. UpToDate. “Patient education: External otitis (including swimmer’s ear) (Beyond the Basics).” April 25, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩
4. Patient. “Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis.” October 19, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩
5. NHS Choices. “Labyrinthitis.” February 7, 2017. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩
6. UpToDate. “Patient education: Ear infections (otitis media) in children (Beyond the Basics).” March 16, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩
7. Patient. “Ear Infection (Otitis Externa).” October 19, 2016. Accessed November 3, 2017. ↩ ↩
8. NHS. “Ear infections.” May 1, 2018. Accessed December 11, 2018. ↩
9. MedicineNet. “Ear Infection Home Treatment.” Accessed May 8, 2018. ↩ ↩
10. MedlinePlus. “Ear infection – acute.” Accessed May 8, 2018. ↩
11. NHS Choices. “Perforated eardrum.” April 5, 2017. Accessed May 4, 2018. ↩
12. Encyclopedia Britannica. “Eustachian tube.” Accessed May 8, 2018. ↩
13. NHS Choices. “Earache.” September 8, 2017. Accessed May 8, 2018. ↩
14. Mom Junction. “Ear Infections During Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms and Remedies.” July 5, 2016. Accessed May 8, 2018. ↩
15. NHS Choices. “Body piercing.” January 9, 2017. Acessed July 19, 2018. ↩

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**Q: What are the Signs of an Ear Infection?**



**A:** An ear infection, also known ⁢as otitis media, is a common condition affecting people of all ages.‍ It occurs when fluid accumulates ⁢in the middle ear, ⁤typically due to bacterial or viral infection. Here are some ⁢common signs and symptoms of an ear infection:



**1. Ear Pain:**

Persistent ear pain is the most prominent symptom. It can range from mild discomfort to severe throbbing.



**2. Fluid Discharge:**

A watery or pus-like discharge⁣ from ‍the affected ear may indicate a burst eardrum or​ an active infection.



**3. Hearing Loss:**

Fluid buildup in the middle‌ ear can interfere with sound conduction, leading to temporary hearing⁢ loss.



**4. Fever:**

A fever may accompany an⁢ ear infection, especially in young children.



**5. Dizziness and Nausea:**

In severe cases, ear infections ‍can cause dizziness or nausea due to disturbance in the balance system ‍of the inner ear.



**6. Irritability and Fussiness:**

Infants and young children may show irritability, crying, or fussiness as​ a sign of ear pain.



**7. Earaches When Lying Down:**

Lying down increases pressure in ⁢the middle ear, which can worsen discomfort.



**8. Ear Tugging:**

Infants and‌ toddlers⁣ may tug​ or pull at their affected ear to relieve‌ pain.



**9. Popping or Crackling Sounds:**

Fluid buildup can cause popping or crackling sounds in the ear.



**10. Reduced Appetite:**

Pain and discomfort can interfere​ with eating and lead ‌to decreased appetite.



**Additional Important Information:**



It’s important to note that not all ear infections⁤ exhibit the same​ symptoms. Some may​ only cause mild discomfort, while others can be severe⁣ and require ⁢medical attention. If you experience any ear pain or discomfort, it’s recommended to seek prompt medical⁤ evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.