<s>[INST] What are the symptoms of an ear infection? [/INST] If you think your child has an ear infection, see your pediatrician. They can make an accurate diagnosis, look for complications, and prescribe the appropriate medications, if needed. Keep in mind treatment for an acute ear infection is not always needed.

A telltale sign of an ear infection is a bulging tympanic membrane (ear drum), as visualized by your doctor with an otoscope (a medical device that looks into the ears), and ear pain. Older children may also experience hearing loss.

In younger children and infants, the symptoms of an ear infection may include:

tugging on the ears, ear pain (especially when lying down)
fever over 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C)
temporary hearing loss or trouble hearing
trouble sleeping
dizziness or loss of balance
yellow fluid or pus draining from ear (otorrhea)
irritability, fussiness, inconsolable crying
loss of appetite
vomiting, diarrhea (in infants) Source: DRUGS.COM. Link: https://www.drugs.com/article/middle-ear-infections-children.html. Field: Otolaryngology. Disease: Ear Infection </s>