How to Recognize the Signs of an Ear Infection

Ear infections are most common in babies and young children because their ear tubes are smaller and more prone to blockages. However, ear infections can occur in people of any age, especially during recovery from an upper-respiratory infection. Ear infections usually develop in the middle ear and are called otitis media.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for symptoms of an ear infection in your baby. Babies and toddlers cannot tell you if they have symptoms of an ear infection, so watch for fussiness, ear pulling, crying, trouble sleeping and fever.

• 2

  Watch for ear discharge in children and adults. When an ear infection is present, a thick, yellow fluid may be inside the ear canal or draining from the ear. This only happens after the eardrum has burst, and it is usually accompanied by a reduction in pain.

• 3

  Recognize the symptoms of hearing difficulties. Sometimes, an ear infection may cause the ear to feel plugged, impairing hearing. If your child suddenly appears to have hearing problems or if you notice your hearing is impaired, it may be a sign of a developing ear infection.

• 4

  Make a note if any ear symptoms begin during or after an upper-respiratory infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, most ear infections follow a respiratory illness, such as a cold, and this information may make recognizing an ear infection easier.

• 5

  Visit your doctor if you suspect an ear infection. Your doctor can look through your ear canal at your eardrum for signs of an infection. Using a pneumatic otoscope, your doctor will look for redness or bulging of the eardrum.

• 6

  Undergo additional testing if you have symptoms of an ear infection, but a formal diagnosis cannot be reached based on your physical exam and symptoms alone. Your doctor may order a test to check the movement of your eardrum, called tympanometry, or hearing tests.