8 Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection
An ear infection is a condition where parts of your ear become infected by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup. It can strike at any time, causing intense discomfort. It can also affect all parts of your ear.
Your risk of developing ear infections increases when you have a cold, allergies, or sinus problems. Common signs of an ear infection can cause mild discomfort to those that increase safety risks.
There are also signs and symptoms that depend on the location of the infection. Recognizing these symptoms helps you determine when to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Common Symptoms Of An Ear Infection
Ear infection can lead to various symptoms depending on the affected part, which could impact your daily activities and overall comfort. They may affect hearing, cause discomfort, or create a sensation of fullness in the ear.
Ear Pain
When you have otalgia, you may feel a sharp, throbbing, or dull ache in one or both ears if you have an infection. You may feel pain as an initial sign of worry, from the outer part to deep inside the ear, which may spread to the jaw and neck.
The pain can come and go or remain persistent, which is exacerbated when you lie down, chew, or yawn. This can make it difficult to concentrate, distracting you from your tasks, conversations or routine activities.
The discomfort can range from mild to severe, sometimes making it difficult to focus or sleep, leading to irritability and frustration.
A sense of pressure or fullness in the ear may accompany the pain, creating a nagging discomfort that disrupts daily life.
Fullness or Pressure
You may feel a persistent and bothersome sensation of fullness in your ear, as if it is clogged or blocked. This uncomfortable pressure can create discomfort, making it seem that something is lodged in your ear.
Swallowing or yawning might briefly relieve the sensation, but it often returns quickly. The pressure may worsen when you change positions, such as lying down or bending over.
At times, it can feel like there is a thick fluid trapped inside your ear, creating an uncomfortable heaviness on the affected side of your head.
Muffled Sounds or Hearing Loss
Voices and background noises might sound distant or muffled, making conversations unclear and harder to follow, especially in noisy environments or when someone speaks softly.
You may notice that sounds seem quieter or less clear than usual, as if the affected ear is covered. Hearing loss may be temporary and fluctuate throughout the day, often feeling like an object is trapped in the ear, distorting sounds.
You might find yourself increasing the volume on devices or asking others to repeat themselves due to reduced sound clarity.
Ear Drainage
You may notice fluid leaking from your ear (otorrhea), which can vary in thickness and consistency, ranging from clear and watery to thick and pus-like discharge.
The drainage can be constant or occasional and may have a yellow, white, or bloody appearance depending on the underlying issue or extent of infection. It can also be accompanied by an notably unpleasant odor, which can suggest other complications.
The fluid can create a wet or sticky sensation around the ear, sometimes accumulating on your pillow while sleeping. Over time, this discharge may also dry and form a crusty residue on the outer ear, intensifying your discomfort.
Fever
When you have an ear infection, you may experience a fever, causing your body temperature to rise above normal. This can make you feel warm, flushed, or sweaty.
Chills and shivering usually occur with fever, making it difficult to stay comfortable even when you are using a blanket or are adequately clothed for the weather.
The increased body temperature may come and go or remain persistent, exacerbating existing headaches, body aches, fatigue, or general discomfort.
Prolonged high fevers may increase feelings of dizziness or unease, making it harder to focus and stay active, even in your daily routine.
This can create a ripple effect, where the inability to concentrate and perform regular tasks can lead to frustration and fatigue.
Itching or Irritation
You may feel persistent itching, nagging deep inside your ear, creating an urge to scratch or rub the area. The irritation usually worsens when you move your jaw during chewing or speaking, or when the outer ear is gently touched.
Dryness or a tickling sensation can come with the itching, which can be quite bothersome. The itching may also be accompanied by mild redness or slight swelling in the ear canal.
In an attempt to alleviate this discomfort, you might find yourself resorting to scratching or even using objects to reach into your ears for some temporary relief.
It’s important to be aware that these actions can lead to increased sensitivity and may result in injury and worsen your current condition.
Dizziness or Balance Problems
You may feel lightheaded or unsteady, as if the room is spinning around you in an unsettling manner. Sudden movements, like quickly standing up or turning your head, can intensify dizziness and make it hard to keep your balance.
Walking may be difficult or make you feel as if you are swaying. Dizziness usually comes with nausea, blurred vision, or trouble focusing on objects.
Balance problems make everyday activities challenging, increasing the risk of falls and accidents. It is important to be aware of these symptoms and take care when moving to minimize the risk of falling or injury.
Swollen or Tender Ear
You may notice swelling around your outer ear and ear canal, making it appear red and puffy. The area might feel warm to the touch, and even slight pressure can cause discomfort.
Tenderness in ear tissues may make it painful to touch or move your ear, especially when lying down or wearing headphones or ear protection.
In addition, the skin surrounding the ear may feel sensitive, irritated, or slightly rough. In some cases, mild itching or a burning sensation can accompany the swelling and soreness.
Symptoms by Infection Location
Different types of ear infections can present with various symptoms, depending on the affected area. Understanding how each type manifests can help identify the condition and seek appropriate medical attention when needed.
Middle Ear Infection
Otitis media is the most common ear infection. Pain and pressure behind the eardrum, especially when lying down, are key indicators of a middle ear infection and make sleep difficult.
Additionally, as the eardrum is involved, muffled hearing can occur, causing difficulty in understanding sounds and affecting overall communication and daily activities.
If the infection worsens, your eardrum may rupture, leading to fluid drainage from the ear and temporary hearing loss due to the injury. Other common symptoms include fever, particularly in children, as well as trouble sleeping due to discomfort.
Swimmer’s Ear (Outer Ear Infection)
When an outer ear infection (otitis externa) develops, the ear canal becomes red, swollen, and painful, usually with a discharge. Intense ear pain and discomfort often worsen when touching or pulling the ear, or while chewing.
The ear canal may feel itchy and warm, with swimming, taking a bath, or water exposure during showering often triggering further discomfort.
Temporary hearing problems may also occur due to ear canal inflammation or fluid buildup, making it difficult to hear properly until the ear passage is cleared.
Inner Ear Infection
Inner ear infections, including labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, are less common but can disrupt your sense of balance, leading to dizziness and difficulty standing or walking—making it the type that can pose a higher safety risk.
These infections may also cause sensations of motion even when still. The body struggles to maintain equilibrium, which may lead to a general feeling of unsteadiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Infections in the inner ear can also interfere with hearing and awareness of your surroundings. These disruptions can impact focus, coordination, and the ability to perform routine tasks safely.
Inner ear issues often lead to hearing changes like one-sided hearing loss, sensitivity to loud sounds, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
Symptoms often appear suddenly and can persist for several days, affecting daily activities until the ear has fully recovered from the infection.
