How common is earache in middle ear infection?

Earache may occur with fever, congestion, muffled hearing, or a recent cold. If fluid drains through an opening in the eardrum, pain can change as pressure is released. Drainage, however, still needs assessment, and the symptom pattern cannot identify the cause without looking inside the ear.

Keep the ear dry and do not insert cotton buds, oil, or unprescribed drops. Rest and suitable pain relief may make the person more comfortable; follow the product directions and seek advice about medicines for young children.

Arrange an examination when pain is significant, hearing changes, fever occurs, or symptoms are not settling. The clinician can check the eardrum, assess pressure and fluid, and explain whether monitoring or treatment is appropriate. Note when pain began and whether it is getting better or worse.

Seek prompt medical care for worsening pain, swelling behind the ear, severe headache, marked dizziness, new facial weakness, confusion, or a person who appears seriously unwell. Urgent advice is also needed when a young child is difficult to wake, is not drinking, or has signs of dehydration.

Ask whether the eardrum shows infection or fluid, whether hearing should be checked, and which pain relief is suitable. Tell the clinician about fever, recent colds, drainage, reduced hearing, sleep disruption, medicine already given, and any previous ear problems.