Swallowing, chewing, and nose blowing can increase ear pain. The pain is caused by pressure changes inside the ear. Older children may say their ears feel like they are under water. They may hear buzzing or ringing. Their speech may be unclear if they are just beginning to talk, because they can't hear clearly.
Ear infections can cause short-term hearing loss.
The child may not hear far-away noises. A child's eardrum can break if too much pressure builds up behind it. Signs of a broken eardrum are blood and pus draining from the ear. This drainage does not mean that the infection has gotten worse. The small break will heal on its own in a few days.