An ear infection occurs when the middle ear becomes inflamed and fluid builds up behind the eardrum. The inflammation is usually caused by a bacterial infection. All people are susceptible to ear infections, but children get them more often than adults. Three out of four children will have had an ear infection before they turn three years old. Ear infections are the most common reason why parents bring their children to the doctor. Mild ear infections may get better without treatment, but you should visit the doctor if you suspect an ear infection in yourself or your child.
Ear infection symptoms can come on rapidly, especially in children. Signs and symptoms of ear infections include:
In children:
- Ear pain – especially when lying down
- Trouble sleeping
- Pulling or tugging at an ear
- Crying more than normal
- Fussiness
- Loss of balance
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Fever (100° F or higher)
- Fluid draining from the ear
- Trouble hearing
In adults:
- Ear pain
- Trouble hearing
- Fluid draining from the ear
If symptoms of an ear infection last for more than a day or you notice signs of an ear infection in your child (less than 6 months) call your child’s doctor right away. Other reasons to contact your healthcare provider are if the pain is severe, your infant or child is not sleeping well, or you notice fluid draining from the ear.