If you experience the symptoms or an ear infection (ear pain and pressure) or if your child is showing signs of an infection (see: “What are the symptoms of an ear infection?”) see the doctor.

The doctor will take a medical history and do a physical examination to diagnose an ear infection. The medical history will include questions about previous ear infections and any recent colds or other upper respiratory infections. The doctor will examine the middle ear for inflammation with a lighted instrument known as an otoscope. Sometimes he or she will use a pneumatic otoscope with an attachment that allows the doctor to puff air against the eardrum to see how it responds; fluid in the middle ear dampens the normal movement of the eardrum.