Ear pain or discomfort, especially if it starts suddenly
Trouble hearing or muffled hearing in one or both ears
Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Drainage or fluid coming from the ear (clear, cloudy, bloody, or pus-like)
Fever
Irritability or increased crying in children
Sleep problems due to pain or pressure
Tugging or pulling at the ear (more common in young children)
Dizziness or balance problems (sometimes)
Ear ringing (tinnitus) (sometimes)
Symptoms that worsen after a cold or respiratory infection
Symptoms lasting more than 48–72 hours or not improving
Seek urgent care or prompt medical attention if:
Severe ear pain, especially with fever
Drainage from the ear, especially if it’s pus-like or bloody
Swelling or redness behind the ear, or the ear sticking out
Severe dizziness, severe headache, neck stiffness, or confusion
Symptoms in an infant under 6 months
Recurrent ear infections or symptoms in someone with immune system problems
New symptoms after recent ear surgery or ear tube placement