What Are The Symptoms Of Having An Ear Infection?
 The symptoms of acute otitis media begin to show from 2days to a week after infection. This can happen at the end of an upper respiratory infection, cold or sinus.
Internal ear infection symptoms
There are several symptoms associated with the middle ear infection and include 
* Pains in the ear that can range from mild to severe- babies do not know how to express pain and may be irritable, restless and sleepless. In some cases they may tug at their ears. 
* Fever may also result due to the growing infection
* Poor fluid drainage in the ear can cause a thick yellowish or bloody discharge to ooze from the ear. In such a case the eardrum should be checked in case it has raptured. If this happens the hole should heal within a week maximum.
* Loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting especially in children, sulky behavior may also be observed.
* Irritability, trouble sleeping and trouble hearing. Earache can cause a feeling of heaviness in the ear and hence poor response to sound.
External ear infection symptoms
External ear infection or Swimmers Ear is caused by entry of water into the ear for example during swimming and if it is not dried up properly. For external infection the symptoms may include
* Itching inside the ear that occurs due to rashes that may appear on the ear canal. Redness and swelling may also be observed on the ear canal.
* Watery discharge from the ear that is caused by the fluid trying to find its way out of the ear. The discharge may appear sticky or reddish depending on the severity of the infection.
* Severe pain and tenderness in the ear, this can be felt when tilting the head especially when sleeping or when pulling slightly at the ear lobe.
* A foul-smelling, yellowish discharge from the ear. In such case the infection is at an advanced stage and can only be treated using strong medication to prevent further damage in the ear. Remember the ear is very sensitive and neglecting the infection can cause one to be deaf!
* Temporarily muffled hearing or numbness in the ear that makes you unresponsive to sound. This is usually because the ear canal is blocked by fluid buildup and hence poor hearing.
* Popping sound or a distant ringing in the ear can be felt. Sometimes the ear may feel full and under pressure. Children may not be able to express this feeling and may appear uncomfortable and end up tugging at their ear to relieve the pain. 
* Balance problems may be observed in severe cases where the semicircular canals are affected.



Conclusion
In adults the infection may be manifested in form of pain in the ear that can either be sharp, dull or continuous. The patient may also feel heaviness in the ear, nausea, fever and in other cases slight hearing impairment. Children may experience fever, irritability, sleeplessness and occasional tugging of the ear. Immediate attention should be given to provide fast relief from the pain.

