Ear Infection Symptoms in Boys

Ear infections are a common complaint for children. According to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders, "Three out of four children experience otitis media by the time they are 3 years old. In fact, ear infections are the most common illnesses in babies and young children." This condition occurs more frequently in boys than in girls. Learning the symptoms of an ear infection can result in quicker intervention.

Considerations

• Symptoms of an ear infection are similar in boys and girls. These symptoms may be hard to decipher in a young child who is not yet articulate enough to relay information. Non-verbal clues need to be heeded when determining if an ear infection is present.

  Although an ear infection can appear to need immediate attention, the Mayo Clinic states, "Ear infections aren't usually an emergency---but they can make you or your child uncomfortable. If the signs and symptoms last longer than a day, call a doctor. In children younger than age 2, watch for sleeplessness and irritability after an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold."

Pain and Fever

• A symptom that has an immediate impact on the child is pain from the ear infection. The American Association of Pediatrics states, "The most common symptom of an ear infection is pain. Older children can tell you that their ears hurt. Younger children may only seem irritable and cry. You may notice this more during feedings because sucking and swallowing may cause painful pressure changes in the middle ear."

  Changes in sleeping habits may also occur as a result of the pressure felt.

  A fever may also be present as the body tries to fight the infection. The Mayo Clinic suggests that a child may develop a fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher.

Ear Drainage

• In an ear infection, fluid builds in the middle ear, and this can lead to the eardrum rupturing.

  The American Association of Pediatrics explains how this appears: "You might notice yellow or white fluid, possibly blood-tinged, draining from your child's ear. The fluid may have a foul odor and will look different from normal earwax (which is orange-yellow or reddish-brown). Pain and pressure often decrease after this drainage begins, but this doesn't always mean that the infection is going away. If this happens it's not an emergency, but your child will need to see your pediatrician."

Trouble Hearing

• Another ear infection symptom for boys and girls can be difficulty hearing. The American Association of Pediatrics explains this symptom as well as why it happens this way: " During and after an ear infection, your child may have trouble hearing for several weeks. This occurs because the fluid behind the eardrum gets in the way of sound transmission. This is usually temporary and clears up after the fluid from the middle ear drains away."

  Kids Health adds that children may not "respond to soft sounds, turn up the television or radio, talk louder, appear to be inattentive at school."

Conclusion

• Although boys get more ear infections, all children do outgrow this problem. As a child develops, the Eustachian tube grows, allowing for fluid to drain properly, and ear infections subside.