How to Spot the Early Signs of an Ear Infection

Ear infections are common, especially among kids, accounting for about 30 million doctor visits every year in the United States. While some mild ear infections clear up on their own, many infections progress, requiring medical treatment to stop the infection and prevent hearing loss and other complications.

Like any infection, ear infections respond best when treated early, and that begins by learning how to recognize the signs of infection. Here, our expert team at Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy offers a quick list of ear infection symptoms you should know.

Ear pain

Ear pain is one of the first signs of ear infections for kids and adults, too. Ear discomfort doesn’t always mean an infection — it could be due to allergies or even an object lodged in the ear. In any case, it’s a symptom that needs to be medically evaluated as soon as possible.

“Stuffy” ears or diminished hearing

Ear infections can cause swelling and fluid buildup, both of which can interfere with hearing. You might feel like your ears are clogged or stuffed up, or you may simply notice that your hearing is better in one ear than the other. Some people experience tinnitus — hearing ringing, buzzing, or crackling noises inside their infected ear.

Trouble sleeping

Some ear infection symptoms feel worse when you’re lying down on your back or your side. You may notice an increase in pain or “stuffiness” that changes with your position. Ear pain can also lead to trouble sleeping or fussiness and irritability in young children.

Jaw or neck pain

Some ear infections can cause pain in neighboring areas, like your jaws or temples. Infections that aren’t promptly treated can spread, causing swollen and tender lymph nodes in your neck.

Dizziness or balance issues

Your inner ear doesn’t just help you hear — it helps you balance, too. If you have an inner ear infection, you might feel dizzy or your sense of balance might feel “off.” Dizziness accompanied by ear pain or fever is another good indicator of an ear infection in progress.

Fluid drainage

Ear infections sometimes cause fluid drainage from the ear itself. The fluid may be yellowish, brownish, or tinted with red or rust tones. Ear discharge is never normal, and it should always be a cause for medical evaluation.

Fever

Many ear infections are associated with fever, especially as the infection progresses. Fever combined with ear pain is a good indicator that there’s an infection.

Ear redness

Middle ear infections don’t cause any external symptoms. However, if your child has an infection involving the outer portion of the ear — like swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) — you might notice signs like redness, swelling, or tenderness. 

Ear “tugging” or rubbing

Babies and young kids who may not know how to say what they’re feeling might communicate discomfort by tugging at their ear or rubbing it. If your child demonstrates these behaviors along with any other symptoms on this list, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation.

Get prompt relief for ear infections

Ear infections typically clear up with medication, but early treatment is essential for preventing complications that could lead to permanent hearing loss. 

If you or your child have symptoms of an ear infection, request an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.