An ear infection is a bacterial infection in the space behind the eardrum. It usually is a complication of a cold.
Ear infections are painful.
Your child may also be irritable and unable to sleep well. Most children will have at least one ear infection, and over one quarter will have repeated ear infections. In a few children, the pressure in the middle ear causes the eardrum to break open and drain. This small tear usually heals over the next week. Home Treatment 1.