A middle ear infection (otitis media) is inflammation in the middle ear. Ear infections are common in children and are often associated with upper respiratory infections. When a child has an ear infection, fluid builds in the middle ear and puts pressure on the eardrum. For some children, ear infections are very painful. Others have little or no discomfort. In these children, ear infections may be discovered at routine doctor visits or as part of an examination for another complaint.

Signs and Symptoms

Many children with ear infections have common symptoms that include:

• Awakening at night
• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• Increased irritability or behavioral changes
• Loss of balance
• Not wanting to lie flat
• Pulling on the ears

When to See a Specialist

In some cases, it might be helpful to see a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist who can help to determine if a child would benefit from a surgical procedure. Consider a specialist:

• If your child has three or more infections before 6 months of age.
• If your child has four infections in six months.
• If your child has six or more infections in a year.
• If your child has fluid that lasts more than three months with associated hearing loss.
• If your child has signs of significant hearing loss.