What does earache feel like with middle ear infection?

Pain may be steady or come in waves, and can feel worse when lying down. Fullness, reduced hearing, fever, irritability or poor sleep may occur. Young children may tug the ear or cry more than usual because they cannot describe the pressure.

A middle-ear infection can cause inflammation and fluid behind the eardrum. That fluid increases pressure in the enclosed space and can produce aching or a blocked sensation. Earache is not enough to identify the cause on its own; a clinician needs to examine the eardrum and consider the person's age and overall symptoms.

A cold or another upper-airway illness may come before the ear discomfort because swelling can interfere with drainage from the middle ear.

Encourage rest and fluids, and use age-appropriate pain relief exactly as directed by a healthcare professional or the product label. Keep the ear dry if fluid is coming out, and do not insert drops or objects unless a clinician recommends them.

Watch the pattern of pain, fever, hearing change and behaviour. A clinician can decide whether observation, pain control or prescription treatment is appropriate.

Arrange an assessment for severe pain, symptoms that are worsening, drainage, significant hearing reduction or fever that persists. Seek urgent help for swelling behind the ear, a stiff neck, severe headache, facial weakness, marked dizziness or a child who is unusually difficult to wake.

Ask whether the eardrum shows infection or trapped fluid, whether hearing needs checking, and how to manage pain. Tell the clinician about recent colds, drainage, fever, allergies, medicines, ear problems and how the symptoms have changed.