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Here are some of the ways you might be able to tell if your child has an ear infection. Babies and younger children won't be able to tell you that their ear hurts, so the first sign might be that they rub or pull at their ear.

Children with an ear infection might:¹

• Rub or tug at their ear
• Say that their ear hurts
• Cry more than usual
• Be irritable.

They might also have:¹

• A high temperature
• A cold or cough
• Fluid or pus coming out of one or both ears
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble keeping their balance
• Trouble hearing (not responding to quiet sounds, for example).

It's possible for an ear infection to make a hole in a child's eardrum. You may hear this called a ruptured eardrum. If this happens, you may see fluid coming out of your child's ear. The hole will usually heal by itself, although your doctor may want to check on your child after a few weeks to make sure it's healing properly.

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.