For the parent of a new infant, the first year of your child's life is fraught with times in which you feel like you're blindly guessing how to keep him healthy and comfortable. If you notice your infant tugging at his ear, you may wonder if he has picked up an ear infection. Not all ear tugs mean infection, so look for other symptoms as well to determine whether a call to your pediatrician is warranted.
Pain
Often, an irritable demeanor and inconsolable crying is the best way for the infant to get the message across that an ear hurts. Your baby may pull or tug at her ears, but the National Library of Medicine reports that this behavior by itself is not as meaningful as once thought.
Fever
Fever is a common symptom of ear infections, particularly in infants. A phone call to your pediatrician is always justified if your child is under 6 months of age and has a temperature of 102 degrees or higher. Even low-grade fevers of less than 102 degrees should be investigated if they persist for more than two days.
Poor Sleep
Ear infections are caused by the accumulation of fluid in the Eustachian tube, which is the canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, the American Academy of Otolaryngology notes. This fluid buildup leads to painful pressure that often worsens when your baby is lying down. With nothing to distract him from the pain, he may have difficulty falling asleep, or the discomfort may be severe enough to awaken him.
Poor Appetite and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
If your infant has an ear infection, you may notice that he seems less interested in breastfeeding or taking her bottle. Again, that fluid buildup is to blame because the inner ear pressure changes as your baby swallows. Vomiting and diarrhea, while seemingly unrelated, can also be signs of an ear infection.
Other Symptoms
Ear infections can produce temporary hearing loss, which is another symptom that's hard to detect in a child who is too young to tell you how she feels. Instead, you'll have to rely on your instincts--does your baby turn her head in response to a noise? Does she react to your voice if there is other noise in the background? If not, an appointment with your pediatrician may be warranted. The Mayo Clinic also advises that you seek immediate medical attention if your baby becomes listless or if you notice any fluid draining from the ear, which may be a sign of a ruptured eardrum.
