Many children will have minor hearing loss during or right after
an ear infection. Most of the time the problem goes away.
Lasting hearing loss is rare, but the risk increases with the
number of infections. The eustachian tube runs from the middle
part of each ear to the back of the throat. This tube drains
fluid that is made in the middle ear. If the eustachian tube
becomes blocked, fluid can build up. This may lead to pressure
behind the eardrum or an ear infection. Ear pain in adults is
less likely to be from an ear infection. Pain that you feel in
the ear may be coming from another place such as, your teeth,
joint in the jaw (temporomandibular joint) or throat. This is
called "referred" pain. Allowing infants to suck on a bottle or
breastfeed. Call your health care provider if Call your doctor
if: Your child has a high fever or severe pain or seems sicker
than is usual for an ear infection. New symptoms appear such as:
Swelling around the ear Weakness of the face muscles Severe pain
suddenly stops; this m