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What are the symptoms of middle ear infection?

How the structures involved in Middle Ear Infection differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Middle Ear Infection differ from normal

Short answer

Middle ear infection commonly causes earache, fever, muffled hearing, irritability, poor sleep and sometimes fluid draining from the ear.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Common complaint
Earache with muffled hearing is typical.
In children
Irritability, poor sleep or ear pulling may be clues.

Understanding the symptoms

Pain may feel deep in the ear and can be worse when lying down. Children may pull at the ear, cry more or struggle to settle. Pressure behind the eardrum can make sounds seem muffled. Some people feel dizzy or unsteady. A common cold or allergic rhinitis can block middle-ear drainage and contribute to pressure or infection.

What you can do

Offer fluids and rest, and use age-appropriate pain relief only as directed. Do not put cotton buds, oil or unprescribed drops into the ear. Arrange assessment for significant or worsening pain, persistent reduced hearing, fever or ear discharge. A clinician can examine the eardrum and distinguish infection from trapped fluid.

When to seek urgent care

Get urgent help for swelling or severe tenderness behind the ear, severe dizziness, facial weakness, marked drowsiness or a child who appears seriously unwell. Prompt review is also sensible for worsening pain, persistent fever or new hearing loss.

Questions for your doctor

Ask whether the eardrum shows infection, fluid or a perforation, whether hearing should be checked, and which symptoms mean you should return. Mention recent colds, allergies and previous ear problems.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can a cold lead to a middle ear infection?

Yes. A common cold can block drainage from the middle ear and contribute to pressure or infection.

Does reduced hearing always mean an ear infection?

No. Wax, trapped fluid and other ear conditions can also muffle hearing.

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.