When a child has an ear infection, parents would notice that something has changed about them. A child who was normally cheerful will then become fussy, clingy, or wake up crying in the middle of the night. They might also have a fever and keep tugging at the ear.
When something feels off about a child’s ears, it raises some questions that no parent would want to ask. Ear infections are actually more common in children than parents might think, especially in the early years, and by knowing what to look out for, they can get help and protect their child’s health.
Crying More Than Usual Without an Obvious Reason
Crying is the way younger children communicate, but if they are crying too often and can’t be soothed, it might be because they’re sick. A good reason is an ear infection, which creates a constant pressure or ache in the ears, and it doesn’t go away on its own. A child might start crying during feedings or lie awake at night because they are frustrated.
If the normal causes like hunger, sleepiness, and the need to change the diaper don’t fit, an ear infection might be a possible reason. So, it’s best to take the child for medical care to pinpoint the cause for constant crying.
Tugging, Rubbing, or Touching the Ear Frequently
One of the more obvious signs of an ear infection is if the child is constantly touching or pulling at the ear. It might be subtle, like rubbing the outside of the ear while playing or constantly grabbing it when upset.
This physical reaction is usually a direct response to pressure or discomfort building up in the middle ear. It’s more obvious during sleep or quiet time. Though it can happen for other reasons, when combined with other signs like irritability or fever, frequent ear touching becomes a meaningful clue for a hearing health professional to assess.
Fever That Doesn’t Seem Connected to a Cold or Flu
Ear infections are usually accompanied by a mild or moderate fever, especially in younger children. Unlike the clear onset of a cold or the widespread symptoms of the flu, a fever from an ear infection would happen on its own or if the minor cold has already passed. The timing is pretty confusing, which is why parents need to look for patterns.
If a child was recovering after a cold, only to get a fever a few days later, it might mean that they are developing an ear infection. The body has a fever by responding to bacteria or fluid trapped in the eardrum.
Difficulty Hearing or Not Responding to Sounds as Usual
Hearing changes can show up quietly but become very telling. A child might not respond quickly when they hear familiar voices or sounds. Parents or guardians might have to repeat their instructions to the children often. Changes like these are because of fluid in the middle ear, which dampens sound and makes everything more muffled.
It doesn’t always mean that there are permanent hearing issues, but it’s something that a hearing health professional should watch closely. Untreated infections can interfere with language development, so early attention matters more than most realize.
Loss of Balance or Unsteady Movement While Walking
The inner ear plays a very important role in balance, and if the infection reaches deeper parts of the ear, the child won’t be able to maintain it. Parents usually notice that their toddler stumbles more or sways while walking.
Although clumsiness is a part of early childhood, any sudden increase in unsteadiness or vertigo might mean that there’s an ear infection. Children might sit down more often or be more cautious about climbing or running.
When to See a Hearing Health Professional
If any of these signs continue for a day or two, or they come up together, then it’s time to contact a hearing health professional. Ear infections can clear up on their own, but many need medical support to stop any complications. With prompt treatment, one can reduce the discomfort of their child and reduce the chances of lingering fluid, which affects hearing.
Parents shouldn’t sit around waiting for every symptom to appear. A single strong indicator, like repeated ear pulling or noticeable hearing changes, is more than enough reason to ask for support.