The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid. Children Signs and symptoms common in children include:  Ear pain, especially when lying down Tugging or pulling at an ear Trouble sleeping Crying more than usual Fussiness Trouble hearing or responding to sounds Loss of balance Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher Drainage of fluid from the ear Headache Loss of appetite  Adults Common signs and symptoms in adults include:  Ear pain Drainage of fluid from the ear Trouble hearing 
onset signs symptoms ear infection rapid  children signs symptoms common children include:  ear pain  especially lying down tugging pulling ear trouble sleeping crying usual fussiness trouble hearing responding sounds loss balance fever 100 (38 c) higher drainage fluid ear headache loss appetite  adults common signs symptoms adults include:  ear pain drainage fluid ear trouble hearing 
ear infections