<s>[INST] What are the common symptoms of ear infections in an older child? [/INST] Symptoms of an ear infection can include ear pain, fevers, irritability, sleep disruption, poor appetite and common cold symptoms. Symptoms can be hard to distinguish from general cold symptoms, so if an ear infection is suspected, the child should be examined by a clinician.

The symptoms can also vary depending upon the type of ear infection, but generally, a middle ear infection (also called otitis media), where infected fluid is stuck behind the ear drum, can cause pain, fever and temporary difficulty hearing.

Another type of ear infection, called otitis externa, or swimmer’s ear (although it is not necessarily from swimming), is when the ear canal skin becomes infected. Symptoms can vary but can include an itchy ear, pain, swelling and difficulty hearing. There can also be drainage of fluid or pus from the ear.  Source: LURIE CHILDRENS.ORG. Link: https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/blog/ear-infections-in-older-children-faq/. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>