What Are Earaches? Earaches in children are common. They can be caused by fluid behind the eardrum, an infection in the middle part of the ear, or an infection in the ear canal (also known as swimmer's ear). Kids under 5 years old are at a higher risk for ear infections, especially after upper respiratory infections (like a cold). What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Ear Infection? ear pain (especially when chewing, sucking, or lying down) redness or swelling of the outer ear pulling or rubbing the ears leakage from the ear trouble hearing ear fullness or popping fussiness vomiting headache fever What to Do Call the doctor for advice or to have your child's ears checked. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed to relieve pain (check instructions carefully for correct amount). Don't give ibuprofen to an infant under 6 months of age. Get Medical Care if: your child seems ill while on antibiotics your child has trouble taking liquids the ear drains pus-like fluid or blood the ear pain worsens there is swelling and redness behind the ear the ear begins to stick out from the side of the head Think Prevention! Make sure your kids get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the flu vaccine, which may reduce their odds of getting middle ear infections. Do not clean ears with cotton swabs or sharp objects. Avoid secondhand smoke and anyone with a cold (both can increase the likelihood of ear infections). Make sure kids get in the habit of washing their hands, especially after playing around other kids. Don't give a bottle when your baby is lying down. Ask the doctor if earplugs and special ear drops are a good idea for a child who swims a lot. Back to Articles Related Articles Activity: Ears Do you know your ears? Label these ear parts. Read More Answers: Ears How the Body Works The Ear Activity solution Read More Flying and Your Child's Ears That weird ear-popping sensation is a normal part of air travel. Here's how to help equalize the air pressure in your child's ears to prevent or decrease ear pain. Read More Swimmer's Ear (External Otitis) Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal that can be caused by different types of bacteria or fungi. Find out how to prevent or treat it. Read More Taking Care of Your Ears How do you take care of your ears? Find out in this article for kids. Read More A to Z: Impacted Cerumen Learn more about imnpacted earwax build-up, which can cause temporary hearing loss and ear pain. Read More A to Z: Otorrhea Learn more about otorrhea, discharge from the external part of the ear. Read More A to Z: Otitis Media (Ear Infection) Learn more about otitis media, an infection of the middle ear. Read More Can Chronic Ear Infections Cause Long-Term Hearing Loss? Find out what the experts have to say. Read More A to Z: Otalgia (Ear Pain) Learn about otalgia, more commonly known as ear pain or earache. Read More Ear Injuries Ear injuries not only can affect a child's hearing, but sense of balance too. That's because our ears also help keep us steady on our feet. Read More Can Loud Music Hurt My Ears? Loud music can cause temporary and permanent hearing loss. Learn how to protect your ears so you won't be saying, "Huh? What did you say?" Read More Word Find: Ears Find the hidden words about ears. Read More What Is an Ear Infection? A middle ear infection happens when germs like bacteria and viruses get in your middle ear and cause trouble. Read this article to find out more. Read More Swimmer's Ear You swam! You splashed! And now you have it: swimmer's ear. Read More Your Ears Now hear this! Here's an article about ears. Find out how your amazing ears do their amazing job. Read More Dealing With Earwax Earwax helps protect the eardrum and fight infection. Parents shouldn't attempt to remove earwax at home, as doing so risks damage to the ear canal and, possibly, a child's hearing. Read More Is Earwax Removal Safe? Is it OK to use cotton swabs to remove earwax? Read More Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal caused by many types of bacteria or fungi. Find out how to prevent it. Read More Quiz: Ears Take this quiz about your ears. Read More Ears Hearing may be the ears' main job, but it's not all they do. Learn all about the ears in this Body Basics article. Read More Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media) Ear infections are common among kids and, often, painful. Find out what causes them and how they're treated. Read More Ear Tube Surgery Many kids get middle ear infections (otitis media). Doctors may suggest ear tube surgery for those with multiple infections or a hearing loss or speech delay. Read More Ears Hearing is their main job, but it's not all your ears do. Find out all about them in this body basics article for teens. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.