But more commonly, the pus and mucus remain in the middle ear because a swollen, inflamed eustachian tube cannot open up to let it drain naturally. This is called middle ear fluid or effusion or serous otitis media, and it often becomes chronic, that is, it can last for weeks, months, or even years after the acute, painful part of the infection is over. Furthermore, it makes the child subject to frequent recurrences of the acute infection. The most prominent symptom of acute otitis media is earache, associated with a feeling of pressure and blockage in the ear. Children who cannot describe earache may simply tug or rub the affected ear.
Fever often accompanies the earache, especially in children.
Hearing is usually muffled. Without proper treatment, however, hearing loss may become chronic or permanent. What to Expect at the Doctor's Examination During your child's examination, the doctor will look inside his ears, using an instrument called an otoscope. With the otoscope inserted in the ear, the doctor can check for redness and fluid behind the eardrum and see if the eardrum moves in response to air pressure. In addition, two tests may be performed to give the doctor information that cannot be learned through observation alone.