When the eustachian tube, the small passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, becomes swollen or blocked, fluid can build up behind the eardrum. Bacteria or viruses may grow in this trapped fluid and lead to infection.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of a middle ear infection in children may include:

• ear pain
• fever
• irritability or crying more than usual
• difficulty sleeping
• pulling or tugging at the ear
• reduced hearing or a feeling of pressure in the ear
• fluid draining from the ear in some cases 

Young children may not always be able to describe ear pain and may instead appear restless, have difficulty feeding, or wake frequently during the night.

Possible Causes

Middle ear infections often occur after a cold, flu or throat infection. Swelling in the nose and throat can block the eustachian tube and prevent normal drainage of fluid from the middle ear. Children are more likely to develop ear infections because their eustachian tubes are shorter and can become blocked more easily.

Reference

Content adapted from information provided by Ontario Health – Health811:https://health811.ontario.ca/static/guest/medical-library/condition?name=middle%20ear%20infection%20in%20children