5 Ear Infection Symptoms to Take Seriously

Ear infections are extremely common, especially in kids. In fact, it’s estimated that at least 80% of kids will have at least one ear infection, and while the risk is lower in adults, infections can — and still do — occur.

At Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy, our expert team provides quick relief for ear infection symptoms while fighting off the germs that cause it. Read on to learn about five ear infection symptoms that indicate you need to schedule a visit as soon as possible.

1. Hearing loss

Temporary hearing loss is a relatively common sign of ear infections, occurring when fluids build up inside the ear, blocking sound transmission. Swelling can also cause temporary hearing loss by interfering with the way the eardrum vibrates when hit by soundwaves.

In most cases, hearing loss is minor and temporary, clearing up once the infection is treated. But when treatment is delayed or you have chronic ear infections, recurrent swelling can cause scar tissue formation or damage the ear’s internal structures, increasing the risk of permanent hearing loss.

2. Severe or throbbing pain

Most ear infections cause some pain, usually as a result of swelling and inflammation inside the ear. Fluid buildup can also press on the eardrum or interfere with other mechanisms inside your ear. 

While no pain is pleasant, if you have severe shooting pain or pain that’s getting worse, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Without prompt care, the eardrum may rupture or the infection may spread beyond your ear, causing more serious complications.

3. High or persistent fever

It’s common for an infection to cause a fever. In fact, elevating your body temperature is part of your body’s natural defense system, intended to drive out germs by making the environment inhospitable to them.

That said, your fever should be mild and temporary. If you have a high fever — above 102°F or 38.9°C — or if your fever is getting worse or doesn’t go away after a day or two, you should definitely see our team ASAP. Persistent or worsening fever could be a sign of a more serious infection that won’t resolve on its own.

4. Drainage from the ear

Unless we’re just stepping out of a pool or the shower, we don’t expect any fluid draining from our ears. But fluid drainage is another sign of a serious ear infection — one that indicates a need for prompt evaluation and care.

When fluid drains from your ear, it’s often a sign that your eardrum has been punctured, usually as a result of significant pressure that builds up from fluid trapped behind the eardrum. The fluid might be clear, yellowish, or even bloody. The rupture itself typically heals over time, but it’s definitely a sign that the underlying infection needs to be treated quickly.

5. Obvious localized swelling

Finally, swelling behind or below your ear, or along the sides of your neck, can also occur with an ear infection, along with a sore or swollen throat. This type of swelling indicates the infection may be starting to spread to other tissues, and again, it’s a sign that you need to see us as soon as possible.

Swelling behind or around the ear is often associated with mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone that surrounds the ear. When swelling happens in your neck or throat, it could be related to a strep infection or other bacterial or viral infection. Without prompt care, an abscess can form — or the infection may continue to spread.

Prevent ear infection complications

Ear infections are common, but it’s not a good idea to ignore them. If you notice ear infection symptoms in yourself or your child, book an appointment online or over the phone with Minit Medical Urgent Care and Physical Therapy in Kihei, Kahului, and Lahaina, Hawaii, today.