Common symptoms
- Ear pain
- Reduced or muffled hearing
- Fluid or discharge from the ear
- Itching in the ear canal (outer ear infection)
- Fever, irritability or ear pulling in young children
Common causes
- Colds and upper airway infections (middle ear)
- Water in the ear, or damage to the ear canal skin (outer ear)
- Allergies or enlarged adenoids in some children
When to see an ENT specialist
- Symptoms last more than 2–3 days or are severe
- There is discharge from the ear
- Ear infections keep coming back
- Hearing still feels reduced after an infection
Seek urgent medical care if
- Swelling, redness or pain behind the ear, or the ear sticking out
- Severe headache, stiff neck, weakness of the face, or dizziness with vomiting
- High fever in a baby or young child
How it is usually assessed
An ENT specialist will usually look into the ear with an otoscope or microscope. A hearing test may be suggested, especially if hearing is affected or infections recur.
General management
Many middle ear infections improve on their own, and pain relief can help. A doctor may prescribe ear drops or antibiotics when needed. For recurrent infections or persistent fluid, small ventilation tubes (grommets) may be discussed. Avoid putting cotton buds into the ear.
This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not describe the specific services of any doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own situation.