Ear infections

An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.

Check if it’s an ear infection

The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:

pain inside the ear
a high temperature
being sick
a lack of energy
difficulty hearing
discharge running out of the ear
a feeling of pressure or fullness inside the ear
itching and irritation in and around the ear
scaly skin in and around the ear

Young children and babies with an ear infection may also:

rub or pull their ear
not react to some sounds
be irritable or restless
be off their food
keep losing their balance

Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, although sometimes symptoms can last up to a week.

If you, or your child, have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if you or someone has any of these:

Signs of a heart attack (chest pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across the chest)
Signs of a stroke (face dropping on one side, cannot hold both arms up, difficulty speaking)
Sudden confusion or delirium (unsure of own name or age)
Suicide attempt (by taking something or self-harming)
Severe difficulty breathing (not being able to get words out, choking or gasping)
A serious accident, or severe injuries burns or scalds
Heavy bleeding (spraying, pouring or enough to make a puddle)
Severe injuries (after a serious accident or assault)
A seizure or fit (shaking, jerking, or unconscious & can’t be woken up)
Sudden, rapid swelling (of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue)

Preventing ear infections

You cannot always prevent ear infections, particularly inner ear infections caused by colds and flu.

To help avoid inner ear infections:

make sure your child is up to date with vaccinations
keep your child away from smoky environments
try not to give your child a dummy after they’re 6 months old

To help avoid outer ear infections:

do not stick cotton wool buds or your fingers in your ears
use earplugs or a swimming hat over your ears when you swim
try to avoid water or shampoo getting into your ears when you have a shower or bath
treat conditions that affect your ears, such as eczema or an allergy to hearing aids