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Not all children with ear infections need to see a doctor.

If your child can talk and tell you their ear is hurting, a painkiller such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) might be all your child needs. This should help with the pain and make your child more comfortable. And it's the treatment that your pediatrician or family doctor might suggest if they think your child has an ear infection.

But if you're unsure what's wrong with your child, or painkillers don't seem to be working, then you should take them to see your doctor.

If your child can talk, the doctor will ask your child where it hurts and how they feel. The doctor may also ask you how long your child has had an earache and whether they have had it before. If your child can't describe their symptoms, or feels shy about talking in front of the doctor, your doctor will ask you about your child's symptoms and how long they have had the symptoms. Your doctor will probably also look inside your child's ear.

• They will use an instrument called an otoscope to look at your child's ear canal and eardrum. This lets them see any redness or fluid behind the eardrum.
• They might also gently push some air into your child's ear with this instrument to see if the eardrum moves.
• If your child's eardrum is red, full of pus or fluid, or doesn't move, your child probably has an ear infection.

To learn more about the different parts of your ear, see What is an ear infection?

After talking with you and your child, and looking inside your child's ear, the doctor will probably be able to say whether your child has an ear infection.¹ Your child probably won't need any further tests.

However, if your child has problems hearing after the infection has cleared, they could have a condition called ear infection with fluid and might need some more tests. Doctors call this condition otitis media with effusion. To learn more, see our articles on Ear infection with fluid.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.