What sign may indicate a child is unwell due to an ear infection?

A sign that may indicate a child is unwell due to an ear infection is reduced hearing. Ear infections can lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, which can impair the ability to hear sounds clearly. This hearing loss may be temporary, but it is a significant symptom that can arise with ear infections, affecting the child’s ability to communicate and engage with their environment. Observing a child who seems to be responding less to sounds or is not reacting to auditory cues as expected can be an important indicator of an underlying ear issue.

Other signs of ear infections may also manifest, but reduced hearing is closely related to the pathology of an ear infection and is often a direct consequence of the condition.