An earache or other signs of an ear infection in a young child should always be checked by a doctor. If the problem is a middle-ear infection (otitis media),antibiotic treatment is needed to prevent complications such as a ruptured eardrum or a more severe infection such as mastoiditis. In addition, the doctor should be called if:

• There is bleeding or a discharge (other than earwax) from the ear

• The child complains of pain in or behind the ear

• There is a loss of hearing

• A foreign object becomes lodged in the ear

• The earache follows a head injury

• Ear pain or a discharge from the ear develops following swimming, indicating possible swimmer's ear