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How Do You Know If Your Child Has an Ear Infection?

Pediatric clues — tugging at ears, fussiness, fever — and when to visit urgent care.

Young children may not say "my ear hurts" — look for behavioral and physical clues instead.

Common signs: Tugging or pulling at the ear, increased fussiness or crying, trouble sleeping, fever, fluid drainage, balance problems, or reduced response to sounds.

After a cold: Ear infections often follow congestion. Watch for worsening fussiness or new fever a few days into a cold.

When urgent care helps: Persistent fussiness with fever, ear tugging, or poor feeding — NeuMed pediatric urgent care treats children 6 months and older.

Go to the ER for: Severe lethargy, stiff neck with fever, dehydration, or breathing difficulty.

Infants under 6 months with fever need prompt medical evaluation — call your pediatrician or seek appropriate emergency care per their guidance.

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