Ear Infection Symptoms

Ear Infection: Introduction

Although ear infections are common in people of all ages it is fact that ear infections mostly affect young children. Otitis media and otitis externa are the main two types of ear infections that occur when various parts of your ear are invaded by a virus or bacteria.

Nonetheless, you can get infected and display signs of ear infection due to other causes such as scratching, inserting an object in your ear or swimming without using ear plugs.

What are the Ear Infection Symptoms?

Even though adults are affected less frequently from ear infections compared to small children, symptoms of ear infection in adults can display as;

• Pain in the ear/s
• Fever
• Blocked ears
• Feeling dizzy
• Difficulty in hearing or loss of hearing (temporary)
• Fluid discharge from infected ear

It is important to remember that the above symptoms may or may not be indicative of an ear infection.

A child suffering from common cold that has developed from an upper respiratory tract infection can be a valid cause for onset of an ear infection and the symptoms can occur as;

• A display of temper that is frequent
• Loss or difficulty in balance
• Tugging of ears
• Waking up at night more than once
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Irritation without reason
• Bad odor from the ear
• Mild fever

Besides an ear infection, these signs and symptoms can occur in other health conditions too and can only be correctly identified by a registered physician.

Recurrent and severe ear infection symptoms can lead to impairment in hearing or deafness. You should monitor your child’s hearing and look for any signs of hearing difficulty.

If you suspect any problems, a visit to an audiologist (hearing assessment professional) can aid in proper treatment and save future complications.