How to Identify Symptoms of Ear Infection

Ear infections are caused by a multitude of factors, and may occur in the outer or middle ear. Inflammation and infections are the most common causes of ear infections and affects people of all ages, though children are often afflicted with middle ear infections. Recognizing the symptoms of both are essential to obtaining treatment and relief of discomfort and potential hearing loss. Some middle ear infections are caused by bacteria or virus, though some also occur as a result of colds or illnesses. Other ear infections may be caused by irritation to the ear canal (as in Swimmer's ear) or injury to the ear canal that leads to inflammation or external irritation. Understanding and learning to identify the symptoms of ear infections enables prompt action for remedy and relief.

Things You'll Need

• Warm washcloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Middle ear infections are commonly noticed due to an earache or feeling of fullness in the ear. Some people describe feeling a sense of fullness in the ear, or the desire to 'pop' the ear, as is experienced when swimming underwater. Others state a continual buzzing sound or crackling that is noticed when the outer ear is manipulated.

• 2

  Tugging on the ear is a classic sign of a child with an ear infection. Crying, fussy or irritable behavior often accompanies other ear infection symptoms in infants and toddlers unable to express themselves.

• 3

  Children, and some adults, experience fever, dizziness and moderate to severe pain with some middle ear infections. Pain that is increased by gently pulling on the ear is a sign that the ear canal is irritated.

• 4

  Infections of the outer ear may be caused by the presence of a boil or bump caused by a fungal or bacterial infection in the ear canal. Foreign objects such as hair spray or dye or cotton swabs often cause irritation and inflammation.

• 5

  Severe ear infections may be noted by a discharge that leaks from the ear caused by a buildup of fluids or pus in the middle ear caused by colds or conditions of the nose and throat.