Symptoms
Ear pain, pressure, fever, drainage, reduced hearing, or irritability in children.
Hearing conditions
Ear infections
Inflammation or infection that can cause pain, pressure, drainage, or temporary hearing changes.
Causes
Viral or bacterial infections, fluid behind the eardrum, or outer-ear inflammation.
Risk factors
Recent respiratory illness, allergies, swimming, young age, smoke exposure, and prior ear infections.
Testing
A clinician examines the ear and may assess hearing if symptoms persist or recur.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and severity and may include observation, pain management, medicines, or specialist care.
When to seek medical attention
Seek medical care for severe pain, swelling behind the ear, high fever, drainage, worsening symptoms, or concerns in an infant or young child.
Which professional can help?
A primary-care clinician or pediatrician often evaluates infections. An ENT can help with recurrent, complicated, or persistent cases; an audiologist can assess lasting hearing effects.
Find a hearing-care professionalThis guide is educational and is not a diagnosis. A qualified clinician can help you understand symptoms in the context of your personal health history.