Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are identified primarily through common symptoms like ear pain, pressure, or fullness in the ear. Other signs include hearing difficulty, fluid drainage from the ear, fever, itching, or irritation around the ear.

Symptoms in Adults

Adults often experience earache, muffled hearing, or a sensation of blockage due to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Additional indicators can include headaches, nausea, or discharge, which may signal infection progression.

Symptoms in Children

Children, especially infants, may show tugging at the ear, fussiness, crying, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, or balance issues rather than verbalizing pain. Fever and fluid from the ear are also frequent.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider diagnoses ear infections using an otoscope to examine the eardrum for redness, bulging, fluid, or perforation. Self-diagnosis is unreliable; consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a couple of days or worsen.