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Otitis - Symptom

Alternative Names

Ear infection; Infection - ear

Symptoms:

Symptoms may include:

Chills
Diarrhea
Drainage from the ear
Earache
Ear noise or buzzing
Fever
Hearing loss
Itching or other discomfort in the ear or ear canal
Irritability
Malaise (feeling of general illness)
Nausea
Vomiting

Signs and tests:

Your health care provider will examine your ears and use an instrument called an otoscope to look inside them. Signs that may be seen during an exam include a red, painful outer ear or redness or swelling of the eardrum.

Ear anatomy

Medical findings based on ear anatomy

Middle ear infection (otitis media)

Reviewed last on: 12/1/2008
Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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