Ear pain and possible infection
Ear pain, fullness or drainage may have different causes. An outside-ear photograph cannot show the eardrum or confirm a middle-ear infection.
Common symptoms
- Ear pain
- Pressure or fullness in the ear
- Difficulty hearing
- Drainage from the ear (sometimes)
- Fever (sometimes)
A useful care conversation
Share symptom duration, fever, hearing changes, drainage and recent swimming or illness. The clinician can discuss comfort measures and whether an ear examination is needed. Some ear infections improve without antibiotics; treatment depends on the findings and the patient.
When to seek more care
- Get prompt assessment for significant pain, drainage, hearing loss, worsening symptoms or fever with a child who seems unwell.
General educational information, not a diagnosis or a complete symptom checker. The right care depends on your circumstances.
For an emergency, call 911. Do not wait for a Tap reply or send a photo first.
About this information
Adapted from Tap’s published care-topic library. Original publication: 2025-01-01. Prepared for this guide: 2026-09-07. Preparation is not a clinical-review certification.
The clinician decides whether advice, testing, an examination or a prescription is appropriate. A listed topic does not guarantee remote treatment or a refill. Tap does not prescribe controlled substances.