Ear infections often begin with ear pain, pressure, or trouble hearing, sometimes paired with fever or irritability. These symptoms can affect children and adults alike, disrupting daily life if not addressed promptly.
As part of our Common ER Treatments, we provide thorough ear exams, pain relief, and medication when needed to ease discomfort and stop the infection from getting worse. In this blog, we cover the key symptoms, typical recovery timeline, and when it’s time to seek medical care.
What Is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection happens when bacteria, viruses, or even fungi cause irritation and fluid buildup in the middle ear. The infection often develops after a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, when swelling blocks the Eustachian tube and prevents fluid from draining properly. This trapped fluid becomes the perfect environment for germs to grow, leading to inflammation and pain.
While some ear infections clear up on their own, others can become severe, leading to ruptured eardrums, balance problems, or long-term hearing loss. That’s why recognizing the signs early—and knowing when to seek care—is so important.
Common Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection
1. Ear Pain or Discomfort
The most well-known sign of an ear infection is ear pain. For some, this pain feels like a sharp, stabbing sensation, while others describe it as a persistent dull ache. The pain may worsen when lying down because fluid pressure inside the ear increases in that position. In children, ear pain is often shown through tugging or pulling at the ear, fussiness, or frequent crying.
2. A Feeling of Fullness or Pressure in the Ear
Many people report that their ear feels “blocked” or “clogged.” This is due to fluid and swelling pressing against the eardrum, reducing its ability to vibrate normally. The sensation can be uncomfortable and may make chewing, yawning, or swallowing more painful.
3. Hearing Changes
Because fluid buildup prevents the eardrum from moving properly, hearing can become muffled. Some people describe it as if sounds are distant, underwater, or muted. Children may not respond to voices, turn up the TV louder than usual, or struggle to follow conversations. While this temporary hearing loss usually improves once the infection clears, untreated infections can cause long-term hearing problems.
4. Fever
The body often responds to infection by raising its temperature to fight off invading bacteria or viruses. A low- to moderate-grade fever is common, especially in children. If the fever climbs above 102°F (38.9°C), it may indicate a more severe infection and requires medical attention.
5. Fluid Drainage from the Ear
If you notice yellow, white, or bloody discharge coming from the ear, this can be a sign of a ruptured eardrum. While this might sound alarming, in some cases, the pain decreases after the rupture because the built-up pressure is released. However, a ruptured eardrum is a clear sign that the infection has progressed and needs medical treatment to prevent complications
6. Difficulty Sleeping
Lying flat increases pressure in the middle ear, making pain more intense at night. This is why children with ear infections often struggle to sleep, cry more during bedtime, or wake up frequently. Adults may also find themselves tossing and turning, unable to get comfortable because of throbbing pain.
7. Irritability, Fussiness, or Crying (Especially in Children)
Children often cannot explain what they are feeling, so their behavior becomes the clue. Unusual crankiness, constant crying, refusal to eat, or restless behavior can all signal ear pain. Since swallowing and sucking increase pressure in the ear, infants may refuse bottle-feeding or breastfeeding altogether.
8. Loss of Balance or Dizziness
The inner ear plays an important role in maintaining balance. When infection spreads deeper, it may affect the vestibular system, leading to unsteadiness, clumsiness, or dizziness. In children, this may look like stumbling more often, while adults may feel lightheaded or have vertigo.
9. Headaches and Sinus Pressure
Because the ears, nose, and throat are closely connected, an ear infection can trigger headaches, jaw pain, or pressure in the sinuses. This discomfort may worsen when bending forward or during sudden movements.
Ear Infections in Children vs. Adults
Ear infections can affect people of all ages, but they often look different in children compared to adults. Kids tend to experience more frequent infections due to anatomy and weaker immune defenses, while adults usually notice stronger, more localized pain. Recognizing these differences helps in identifying symptoms early. As part of our Common ER Treatments, we provide age-appropriate care to ensure quick relief and prevent long-term complications.
Children
Children are much more vulnerable to ear infections because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower, making it easier for bacteria and viruses to travel from the nose and throat into the ear. Signs often include:
- Constant tugging or rubbing of the ear
- Trouble feeding due to swallowing pain
- Frequent crying and irritability
- Speech delays or lack of response to sounds (if infections are frequent)
Adults
Adults may not get ear infections as often, but when they do, the pain can be more severe. Common signs include:
- Persistent earache or pressure
- Noticeable hearing loss or ringing in the ears
- Headaches and jaw pain
- Ongoing fluid drainage
How Are Ear Infections Diagnosed?
Doctors use several tools to confirm ear infections:
- Otoscope Exam: Allows the doctor to check for redness, bulging, or fluid behind the eardrum.
- Tympanometry: Measures eardrum movement to detect fluid buildup.
- Medical History: Understanding recent colds, allergies, or sinus infections helps identify root causes.
Treatment Options for Ear Infections
- Observation: Mild cases often improve without treatment in a few days.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen help ease discomfort.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed when bacterial infection is suspected or symptoms don’t improve.
- Warm Compresses: A warm cloth applied to the ear can reduce pain and pressure.
- Ear Tubes: In children with frequent infections, small tubes may be placed to help fluid drain properly.
Prevention Tips
While not all ear infections can be avoided, these steps can lower risk:
- Stay up to date with vaccinations, especially flu and pneumococcal shots.
- Practice good handwashing habits to reduce colds and viral spread.
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, which irritates the ear passages.
- Manage seasonal allergies to reduce ear inflammation.
- Encourage breastfeeding in infants to build immunity.
Texas ER Care for Ear Infections
Ear infections can cause significant pain and discomfort, but knowing the early warning signs makes all the difference. Whether it’s sharp ear pain, muffled hearing, fever, or fluid drainage, acting quickly helps prevent long-term problems.
At Texas Emergency Care Center, we understand how distressing ear pain can be—especially in children. That’s why our board-certified emergency physicians are available 24/7 to provide fast diagnosis and effective treatment. If you or your child is experiencing the signs of an ear infection, don’t wait, visit Texas ER for expert, compassionate care when you need it most.