Pulling at the ears
Children younger than 2 to 3 years old may be too young to tell you when they are in pain. Pulling at the ears may be a sign of ear discomfort, especially if other symptoms, such as a fever, are also present. Other reasons that a young child may pull at his or her ears include:
- Itching in the ear canal from soap or shampoo.
- Earwax compacted in the ear canal. This may occur when a caregiver cleans the ear with a sharp object, such as a cotton swab, finger nail, or bobby pin.
- Fluid in the middle ear (effusion) without infection.
- Having recently discovered his or her ears.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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