Water in the ear is caused by infection, and children are more prone to this condition than adults. Swimmer's ear is an infection of the ear canal that often occurs in people who swim frequently, but it can happen when anything, including vigorous cleaning, damages the ear canal and allows bacteria or fungi to enter. Viruses and upper respiratory infections also can cause fluid build-up. Symptoms may be severe and the infection can lead to hearing loss.
Ear Pain
Ear pain is the most common symptom of water in the inner ear. The pain may occur only when yawning, chewing, swallowing or pressing on your ear, or it may be constant and severe. You may experience itching in the ear canal before it becomes painful.
Hearing Loss
Fluid in the ear interrupts the transmission of sound, so you may experience some hearing loss. Children experiencing hearing loss may display behaviors such as turning up the sound on the TV or expressing confusion at something a parent says. Children under the age of 2 often have no other symptoms of water in the ear. Some children experience chronic fluid in the ear, and the resultant hearing loss may affect their speech development. If left untreated, the infection can rupture the ear drum and spread into the bones behind it and eventually into the brain.
Inflammation
Fluid build-up inside the ear may cause inflammation in the outer ear and in the nearby lymph nodes. Sometimes, however, the inflammation is more subtle because its inside the ear canal where you can't see it. You may feel as if your ears are blocked, like when flying at high altitudes. Children sometimes complain of a "full" feeling or general discomfort inside their ears.
Discharge
In severe cases, fluid build-up may result in discharge from the ear canal. Typically it is clear at first, but it may turn cloudy or yellowish as the infection worsens.
Fever
Fever is not common with swimmer's ear, but it is a symptom of middle ear infections. It should subside with antibiotics and if it does not, this may be an indication that the antibiotic is not working.
