An ear infection can feel like several uncomfortable symptoms depending on which part of the ear is affected (outer, middle, or inner ear), but common experiences include:
- Ear pain or earache : This can be sharp, stabbing, dull, or throbbing pain inside the ear. It is often one of the first and most noticeable symptoms
- A feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear, sometimes described as the ear feeling "blocked" or "muffled"
- Difficulty hearing or muffled hearing due to fluid buildup or inflammation behind the eardrum
- Discharge or fluid leaking from the ear , which can be pus-like or clear
- Itching and irritation in or around the ear, especially with outer ear infections
- Fever and general malaise , including headache, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, can accompany the infection
- Balance problems, dizziness, or vertigo may occur particularly with inner ear infections, since the inner ear helps control balance
- In children, additional signs include tugging or pulling at the ear, irritability, trouble sleeping, and loss of balance
Overall, an ear infection often feels like a combination of ear pain, pressure, hearing changes, and sometimes systemic symptoms like fever and nausea. The pain may last a few days and is often accompanied by a sensation of fullness or blockage in the ear
