In infants and toddlers, symptoms include:

• Pulling or scratching at the ear, especially if accompanied by any of the following:
  • Hearing problems
  • Crying or irritability
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Ear drainage

• In young children and adolescents, symptoms include:
  • Earache
  • Feeling of fullness or pressure
  • Hearing problems
  • Dizziness or loss of balance
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Ear drainage
  • Fever

Without proper treatment, damage from an ear infection can cause chronic or permanent hearing loss.