Health Topics A-Z

What Are the Symptoms of Otitis Media?

In adults:

• Earache (either a sharp, sudden pain or a dull, continuous pain).
• Fever and chills.
• Nasal congestion.
• A feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Nausea and diarrhea that accompany an earache.
• Muffled hearing.

In children:

• Tugging at the ear.
• Poor sleep.
• Fever.
• Irritability, restlessness.
• Ear drainage.
• Nasal discharge.
• Diminished appetite.
• Crying at night when lying down.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Body temperature rises above 100° F; a fever signals the possibility of a more serious infection (especially in infants and young children).
• Your child develops a stiff neck.
• Your child is very lethargic, responds poorly, or is inconsolable.
• You or your child frequently develops otitis media; repeated bouts with the disorder can lead to hearing loss or more serious infections.
• You or your child has hearing problems; the infection may be related.
• You suspect that your young child has otitis media; it's often difficult for a parent to tell if a child is having problems with his or her ears.