To know if you have an ear infection, watch for key symptoms such as ear pain or earache, a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear, difficulty hearing, and possibly discharge or fluid coming from the ear. You may also experience a high temperature (fever), itching or irritation in or around the ear, and headaches. In some cases, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting can occur, especially if the inner ear is affected. For young children or babies, signs include pulling or rubbing the ear, irritability, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite. Ear infections can affect different parts of the ear — inner ear, middle ear, or outer ear — with slightly different symptoms. Middle ear infections often cause earache, fever, and a sensation of fullness, while outer ear infections might cause itching, redness, and swelling around the ear canal. Fluid drainage, which can be pus-like, milky, or bloody, may indicate the infection has progressed. If symptoms are severe, worsen, or persist beyond a few days, or if there is swelling or redness behind the ear, it’s important to seek medical attention as this could indicate a more serious infection. Common symptoms summary:
- Ear pain or earache
- Feeling of pressure/fullness in the ear
- Difficulty hearing or muffled hearing
- Ear discharge or fluid drainage
- Fever or high temperature
- Itching or irritation around the ear
- Headaches
- Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting (especially with inner ear infections)
- In children: ear pulling, irritability, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite
These symptoms usually develop quickly and most ear infections clear up within a few days to a week, but check with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan if symptoms are concerning or persistent.
