Ear infections are a common problem for both kids and adults, but they show up most often in young children. An ear infection happens when germs (bacteria or viruses) get into the middle or outer ear, usually after a cold or when water gets trapped. Knowing the signs early matters, because catching and treating ear infections quickly can help you or your child avoid pain and more serious problems.
There are a few different types, like middle ear infections (otitis media) and outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear). Each has its own warning signs. Pain, trouble hearing, and sometimes fever or fluid from the ear are the most noticeable clues. In this post, you’ll get an easy-to-read breakdown of the main symptoms to help you spot an ear infection fast and know when to see a doctor.
Common Signs of an Ear Infection in Children
Photo by Mike Sangma
Spotting the signs of an ear infection in kids can feel tricky, especially if your child is still too young to tell you when something hurts. Sometimes their discomfort shows up in subtle ways. Knowing what to look for helps you catch an ear infection early and get the right care before things get worse. Here are the most common symptoms parents and caregivers notice.
Ear Pain
Ear pain is often the first clue. Kids may cry, wince, or complain that their ear hurts. The pain can be steady or come and go. It may get worse when lying down, especially at bedtime or nap time. You might notice your child rubbing the side of their head or covering their ear to block out noise. Older children can usually describe pain, but infants and toddlers might just seem extra fussy or unsettled.
Tugging or Pulling at the Ear
Many children instinctively tug, pull, or rub their ear when it hurts. While this isn’t always due to an infection, if you notice it along with other symptoms, it could signal a problem. Babies often use this gesture to show discomfort before they can speak.
Trouble Sleeping
Ear infections are painful when a child lies down, which puts pressure on the sore area. This often leads to restless nights, frequent waking, or difficulty settling for naps. If your child suddenly struggles to fall or stay asleep, especially combined with other symptoms on this list, it’s a good hint that something is wrong.
Increased Crying or Fussiness
Crying more than usual, sudden irritability, or a general grumpy mood can all point to an ear problem. Babies and toddlers may arch their backs, push away cuddles, or resist feeding due to the discomfort. Sometimes, this is the only sign you’ll see.
Fever
A mild or high fever is common, especially with bacterial ear infections. A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) is a clue that the body is fighting off something. Some children will get a fever right away, while others might never run one. Fever doesn’t always mean there’s an ear infection, but paired with the other signs, it’s good reason to check in with your pediatrician. You can learn more about ear infection fevers from the Mayo Clinic’s symptom guide.
Loss of Balance
The inner ear helps control balance, so an infection can make children seem unsteady on their feet. You might notice your child stumbling, tripping more, or seeming off-balance. Babies may fall over while sitting or crawling.
Trouble Hearing
Fluid buildup in the ear can make sounds seem muffled. Children with an ear infection may not respond to their name, turn up the volume on devices, or watch your lips closely when you talk. Teachers might mention that your child seems distracted or isn’t listening well in class. Learn more about how ear infections affect hearing on Cleveland Clinic’s ear infection overview.
Fluid Draining from the Ear
Sometimes, you might see yellow, white, or even bloody fluid coming from your child’s ear. This can be a sign that the eardrum has burst (which sounds scary, but it often relieves pain and heals on its own). Any fluid coming out of the ear should prompt a call to your healthcare provider.
Why Symptoms May Be Hard to Spot
Kids don’t always show every sign, and sometimes their symptoms are a little mysterious. Babies and toddlers often can’t explain their pain, so their symptoms may seem vague or related to other issues. Watching for changes in behavior, sleep, and eating patterns is key. If several signs line up, it’s a smart move to speak with a doctor. For a full rundown of all potential ear infection symptoms, check the helpful resource from the NHS.
Quick Look: Main Signs of Ear Infections in Kids
| Symptom | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Ear pain | Crying, rubbing, or holding the ear |
| Ear tugging/pulling | Frequent touching or pulling at one or both ears |
| Trouble sleeping | Restlessness, waking up more often |
| Increase in crying | More fussiness, difficulty soothing |
| Fever | Temperature at or above 100.4°F (38°C) |
| Loss of balance | Stumbling, trouble walking |
| Trouble hearing | Not responding, needing louder sounds |
| Drainage | Yellow, white, or bloody fluid coming from the ear |
Trust your instincts. If your child seems off and is showing signs from this list, an ear infection could be the cause. Early attention can bring quick relief and prevent bigger problems later.
Typical Symptoms of Ear Infections in Adults
Ear infections don’t always look the same in adults as they do in kids. While children may cry or tug their ear, adults pick up on their own pain in clearer ways. Many adult cases fly under the radar at first because symptoms can be mild, vague, or mistaken for something else, like a sinus infection or allergies. Paying attention to early clues can help you get the right care before the infection gets worse.
Ear Pain or Pressure
Most adults with an ear infection report some type of pain or uncomfortable pressure in the affected ear. This can feel sharp, throbbing, or more like a dull ache. Sometimes, the pain spreads to the jaw or neck. Lying down might make the sensation stronger. Unlike kids, adults are usually able to describe exactly where it hurts and what the pain feels like.
- Pressure or fullness: The feeling that your ear is “plugged” or under pressure is very common. It can be similar to what you might notice during a plane landing.
- Sudden or steady pain: Pain can come on quickly or slowly build up over a few days. Some adults notice it most during chewing, swallowing, or when talking.
Hearing Problems
Fluid buildup from an infection makes it tough for sounds to pass through, so hearing may be affected. Adults may say that sounds seem muffled, as if water is stuck in the ear, but there is no relief from yawning or swallowing.
- Muffled hearing: Soft conversations, phone calls, and even TV shows may seem distant or unclear.
- Temporary loss: Hearing changes from an ear infection are usually short-term, but if they last longer than a day or two, it’s smart to be checked by a doctor.
For a quick, clear overview of the main symptoms that set adult ear infections apart from childhood cases, visit this helpful page about the differences in adult and child ear infection symptoms.
Fluid Drainage
Adults may notice clear, yellow, or sometimes bloody fluid coming from the ear. This only happens if the eardrum has ruptured or is leaking fluid from behind. Any drainage—especially if it’s thick or smelly—means the infection needs prompt attention.
- Wet pillow: Waking up with a damp spot on your pillow or noticing liquid while cleaning your ear can be key tip-offs.
- No drainage most of the time: It’s common not to see fluid; more often, the fluid stays trapped, causing that “full” feeling.
Fullness or Stuffiness in the Ear
That clogged or stuffed-up sensation is one of the biggest giveaways for adults. It can feel like there’s cotton in the ear, or as if you can’t “pop” your ears no matter how hard you try.
- Pressure with no pain: Sometimes the only symptom is a feeling of fullness, especially early on.
- Ear feels blocked: Similar to having water stuck in your ear after swimming, but the feeling doesn’t go away on its own.
You can find more about these subtle symptoms and why adults notice them differently than kids on the NHS ear infection symptoms guide.
Less Common Symptoms: Dizziness and Mild Fever
Not every adult will experience these, but they do show up:
- Dizziness or balance trouble: The inner ear controls balance, so infections here can make you feel unsteady or lightheaded. If you notice sudden spells of dizziness, it’s time for a checkup. Learn more about why this happens with this detailed look at inner ear infection symptoms.
- Mild fever: Adults may run a low-grade fever with an infection, but high fevers are less common than in children. You might feel tired, achy, or run down in general.
Key Differences: Adults vs Children
Here’s a quick comparison to help pinpoint how symptoms differ between grown-ups and kids:
| Symptom | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Ear pain | Common, describe location/quality | Common, but shown by crying/tugging |
| Fullness/pressure | Very common, often main complaint | Less likely to notice or describe |
| Hearing loss | Often noticed and reported | May go unnoticed or noticed by adults |
| Drainage | Happens if eardrum ruptures | Same, but more often checked by adults |
| Dizziness | Can appear in severe cases | More likely to affect balance |
| Fever | May be mild or absent | More often present, sometimes high |
Recognizing these signals early sets you up for quicker treatment and faster relief. If you notice any of these symptoms or if they don’t improve after a couple of days, your healthcare provider can help figure out what’s going on.
Other Signs That May Suggest an Ear Infection
When most people think of an ear infection, they picture sharp pain or a child tugging their ear. However, there are several other signs that can signal something wrong in the ear—some are subtle and easy to miss, especially in young children and older adults. Knowing these extra symptoms helps you catch the infection early and avoid serious problems.
Irritability and Mood Changes
Kids, especially infants, often show their discomfort through changes in mood. If your usually happy child becomes fussy, cranky, or less interested in playing, it might be their way of saying something hurts. Even adults can feel unusually tired, short-tempered, or low on energy when they have an ear infection. Because pain and pressure in the ear can wear anyone down, pay attention to these shifts in mood or personality.
Dizziness and Balance Problems
The ear does more than just help you hear. Deep inside, it controls balance. When infection affects this area, both kids and adults might:
- Seem wobbly or unsteady
- Stumble or fall more often
- Feel lightheaded or experience a spinning sensation (vertigo)
Balance changes from an ear infection stand out in toddlers learning to walk or run. In adults, this might show up as feeling dizzy when getting up or while walking. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dizziness and vertigo are classic signs if the inner ear is involved.
Headaches
Headaches are a common but often overlooked sign. Ear infections create pressure and swelling in the area around the ear, which can trigger headaches. Children may not always say their head hurts, but they may hold their head, rub their face, or just act extra sensitive to light and sound. Adults may feel pressure across the temples or behind the eyes.
Feeling of Pressure or Fullness
Pressure inside the ear is one of the top complaints in both children and adults. This sensation can feel like having water trapped in your ear after swimming. Sometimes, it gets worse when lying down or during a cold. This is often a sign that fluid is building up behind the eardrum, which is very common in middle ear infections. If you notice muffled hearing or a “blocked” feeling, don’t brush it off.
Signs of Ear Discomfort
Besides direct pain, there are other clues that someone feels discomfort in the ear:
- Avoiding chewing or swallowing on one side
- Flinching when the ear is touched or cleaned
- Refusing to wear headphones or lie on the affected ear
Babies might cry during feeding or push the bottle away, as swallowing changes pressure in the ear.
Fluid Discharge and Eardrum Perforation
Sometimes, fluid leaking from the ear is the biggest clue. Discharge can be clear, yellow, white, or tinged with blood. This usually means that the eardrum has a small hole (perforation), often due to built-up pressure from infection. The fluid may relieve pain but should not be ignored. Any drainage calls for a check by your healthcare provider, as fluid discharge can also lead to hearing issues and further complications.
Here’s a quick table to help identify these less obvious symptoms:
| Symptom | What You Might Notice |
|---|---|
| Irritability | Crankiness, clinginess, lack of appetite |
| Dizziness/Balance | Wobbling, falling, feeling the room is spinning |
| Headaches | Rubbing forehead, sensitivity to light/sound |
| Pressure/Fullness | Blocked or muffled sensation, “water in ear” feel |
| Ear Discomfort | Flinching, refusing headphones or certain foods |
| Fluid Discharge | Wet pillow, clear/yellow/pus or bloody fluid |
For more detailed information on ear infection warning signs and when to seek help, check the expert list from San Antonio ENT.
Less Obvious, But Just as Important
Some symptoms show up in both kids and adults but are easy to miss if you’re not looking for them. Watch for:
- Mild hearing loss or muffled sounds
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Low energy or loss of appetite
- Nausea or occasional vomiting (especially with dizziness)
If you see several of these together, especially with ear pain or fever, it’s worth making a call to your doctor. Several trusted organizations, like MedlinePlus, explain that new or severe symptoms—the sudden onset of headache, dizziness, or facial twitching—may point to a worsening infection and need quick medical attention.
Spotting these extra clues can help you catch an ear infection before it gets out of hand, letting you or your child get back to feeling good again.
When to See a Doctor for an Ear Infection
Ear infections can bring a wave of discomfort, but not every ache means a trip to the doctor’s office. Some mild cases clear up on their own with a little rest and home care, especially in older children and healthy adults. Still, there are times when professional help is the safest choice. Keeping an eye out for certain red flags will help you know when it’s time to make that call.
Symptoms That Call for Medical Attention
A few symptoms almost always mean you should check in with your doctor. These warning signs suggest the infection might be severe, could get worse, or already needs extra support.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Severe ear pain that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter medicine
- High fever (over 102°F or 39°C), or a fever that lasts more than two days
- Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
- Hearing loss that comes on suddenly or lingers more than a couple of days
- Swelling around the ear that looks or feels puffy, red, or warm
- Trouble moving parts of the face (for example, not being able to close the mouth or eye properly)
- Ongoing symptoms—such as pain, fever, or balance problems—that last longer than two to three days
Smaller children and babies, especially those younger than 12 months, should be seen sooner rather than later if you suspect an ear infection. According to OSF HealthCare, any ear infection in infants under six months deserves quick medical attention.
Warning Signs of Ear Infection Complications
Ear infections don’t usually lead to serious problems, but ignoring certain symptoms can mean trouble. Keep a lookout for these complications, as they need prompt treatment:
- Swelling or redness behind the ear (especially if the ear sticks out or the skin looks tight or shiny)
- Persistent or severe hearing loss
- Repeated ear infections (three or more in six months, or four or more in one year)
- Persistent vomiting or severe dizziness that doesn’t improve
- Stiff neck, extreme drowsiness, or confusion, which can mean the infection is spreading
- Very bad headache along with fever or neck pain
These symptoms might point to infections spreading beyond the ear or could even signal more rare, serious issues. For a list of when an ear infection is urgent, check the advice from Emergency Physicians.
At-a-Glance: When to Call the Doctor
Here’s a simple table to make decision-making easier:
| Call a Doctor Right Away If You Notice: | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Severe ear pain not controlled by medicine | Pain can signal a major infection |
| High or lasting fever | Fever may show spreading infection |
| Fluid, pus, or blood draining from ear | Can mean a burst eardrum |
| Swelling, redness behind ear | Possible spread to nearby tissues |
| Trouble hearing or loss than persists | Could affect long-term hearing |
| Facial weakness or trouble swallowing | Rare, but needs urgent treatment |
| Symptoms lasting over 2-3 days without relief | Time to re-check diagnosis/treatment |
If you’re worried, don’t wait or try to ride it out too long. Infections can turn quickly, especially in young kids or anyone with a weak immune system. If you notice any of these urgent symptoms, trust your gut and reach out for help—don’t try to tough it out.
The Mass General Brigham guide on ear pain and urgent care lays out clear signs that you shouldn’t ignore. Your healthcare provider can guide you on treatment, answer questions, or see you for a visit if things aren’t improving.
Knowing when to ask for help can mean faster relief and protect your hearing for the long run.
Conclusion
Ear infections show up in many ways, from sharp ear pain and sleep problems to changes in mood and mild hearing loss. While some signs are easy to spot, others, like trouble with balance or unexplained fussiness, can be missed if you’re not paying attention. Keeping an eye out for these symptoms helps you take action quickly and can make recovery smoother, especially for young children.
If you notice these signs or if symptoms stick around longer than a couple of days, don’t wait to reach out to a healthcare provider. Early care often means less pain and a faster return to normal. Thanks for reading—if you’ve learned something helpful, share this guide or ask your provider about ear health next time you visit. Every little bit of knowledge goes a long way in protecting you and the people you care about.
