Article: Itching, mild or more severe, can be an indication that you have an outer ear infection. You may itch inside your ear or along the outside. However, a slight itch doesn't automatically mean you have an outer ear infection. Any kind of drainage from the ear can indicate an ear infection. However, look for drainage with color--yellow or green. Also, if the drainage smells bad, that could also indicate an ear infection. If you have pain in your ear, it could indicate an ear infection. If you press on your ear and the pain worsens, that's even more likely to be an indicator of an ear infection. In severe cases, pain may begin spreading across your face, which means you need to get to a doctor immediately, as the infection is spreading. Look at your ear closely in a mirror. If you can see some redness, that may also indicate an ear infection. Hearing loss is a more advanced symptom of ear infections, so if you begin to notice your hearing going in an ear along with other symptoms, that is definitely a reason to see a doctor. At its most advanced stage, your ear canal will be blocked completely. If your ear or lymph nodes swell, that is a far progression of an ear infection. Another advanced symptom is a fever.

What is a summary?
Notice itching. Look for drainage. Pay attention to pain. Check for redness. Notice hearing loss. Look for the advanced symptoms.