Understanding Outer Ear Problems (Child)

Children often get an earache. Treatment may or may not be needed. It's best to check with your child's health care provider. Ear pain can be caused by a problem in the outer or middle ear. Or it can be someplace else, such as an infected throat. Usually, outer ear problems don't cause fever. But this isn't always the case.

What are outer ear problems?

Outer ear problems occur in the area between the external part of the ear (auricle) and the eardrum. The eardrum is the thin sheet of tissue that passes sound waves between the outer and middle ear. These problems are often because of excess earwax buildup or infection.

Normal ear

When to call your child's health care provider

Call your child's health care provider if you're unsure or if your child is young. It’s likely an outer ear problem if you can say yes to any of the following:

• My child’s outer ear aches or feels blocked.

• The pain gets worse when I wiggle, pull, or move my child’s ear.

• My child's outer ear is red or swollen.

• My child went swimming recently.

• My child has drainage (fluid or pus) in an ear.

• My child's ear is itching.

• My child has trouble hearing.