<s>[INST] How can you be sure if the child has an inner ear infection? [/INST] Your health care practitioner can tell by checking the ear drum. If it is reddish and bulging with pus, that's likely an infection. However, there are other conditions that can make an ear drum look red, including fever or just crying a lot. Therefore, your primary care provider should check the ear drum's ability to move. An ear drum that is red from crying or because of a fever will still move when tested. A special instrument called a tympanogram can also be used to test for ear drum mobility. Source: UIHC.ORG. Link: https://uihc.org/childrens/health-topics/ear-infections-children-frequently-asked-questions. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>