A cold or allergy can cause the Eustachian tube to become swollen shut, especially in small children where the tube is smaller. When the Eustachian tube closes, the normal flow of fluid from the middle ear is prevented, and the fluid begins to accumulate which can cause stuffiness, pain, and hearing loss . Ear pain is not necessarily due to a disease of the ear. Infections and other problems of the nose, mouth, throat, and jaw joint can cause pain in the ear. Ear infection symptoms may include fever , ear pain, fussiness, increased crying, irritability, or pulling at the ears.
Ear infections are very common in infancy and childhood and are often associated with colds .
Most children will have a temporary and minor hearing loss during and right after an ear infection, but there is rarely any permanent hearing loss as long as the problem is properly managed by a health care provider. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. There is no warranty that the information is free from errors and omissions or that it meets any particular standard.