Ear infection, otherwise known as acute otitis media, is an infection of the middle ear.  Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.  These infections can often clear up on their own but seeking care with your child’s Provider can help determine if managing the pain is all that is needed or if your child needs further treatment such as antibiotics to clear up the infection.  Some children can be prone to ear infections which can lead to hearing problems or other complications.

The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid and can include ear pain causing tugging or pulling at the ear, trouble sleeping, crying more than usual, fussiness, trouble hearing or responding to sounds, loss of balance, fever, drainage of fluid from the ear, headache or loss of appetite.