- 1). Watch your child for signs of pain in the ear that may be identified by the child clasping the ear, holding it, rubbing it or tugging on it. In infants, toddlers and very small children who are often unable to express distress, a parent may often observe signs of redness or irritation on the outside of the ear, or just inside the ear canal.
- 2). Pay attention to your child's behavior. Is he cranky or irritable? Is he crying more than usual? Children who are unable to express their symptoms may be fussy for no apparent reason.
- 3). Look at your child's ear. Do you see any drainage or discharge leaking from the ear? If so, contact your pediatrician immediately. While discharge may be the result of a cold, it's better not to take chances.
- 4). Listen to your child if she complains of being dizzy or you notice that she seems to be having trouble with balance. A person's sense of balance is in the middle ear, and any infection or damage may cause instability.
- 5). Take your child's temperature. While middle ear infections don't always display a fever, sometimes they do. Note any temperature and notify your pediatrician if acetaminophen does not relieve the symptoms within a few hours.
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