The symptoms that signal an ear-related condition differ according to the nature of the disorder. Signs and symptoms shared by many different ear-related conditions include:

• Ear pain
• White, slightly bloody, clear or yellow ear discharge
• Hearing loss
• Noises, such as ringing or buzzing
• Vertigo and/or nausea
• Itching, scaling, red or moist ear canal
• Sensation of fullness in the ear
• Popping sound in the ear

Children with ear-related conditions may not be able to express the symptoms they are experiencing. Therefore, parents should be on the look out for behavioral changes that may indicate a disorder of the ear. These include:

• Tugging or rubbing the affected ear
• Irritability
• Temper tantrums
• Lack of concentration
• Lack of eating
• Vomiting
• Listlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Increased crying
• Turning up the volume on audio devices

Children with any of the signs or symptoms of ear-related conditions should be evaluated by a physician.