Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Ear infections are very common, particularly in children, and often get better on their own within 3 days. They can affect the outer, middle (otitis media) or inner ear. Most ear infections clear up within 3 days, though symptoms can sometimes last up to a week. This is general information, not a diagnosis — see a GP or call NHS 111 if you're unsure.

Common symptoms include: pain inside the ear (earache), a high temperature, difficulty hearing, discharge from the ear; a feeling of pressure or fullness, itching or irritation in and around the ear; and in babies and young children specifically: rubbing or pulling their ear, not reacting to some sounds, being irritable or off their food, or losing their balance.

Get help from NHS 111 or an urgent GP appointment if: you or your child feel generally unwell, or have a very high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery; there is swelling around the ear, or fluid coming out of the ear; there is a change in hearing or new hearing loss; you feel sick, dizzy, or have a severe sore throat; your child is under 12 months old and has earache in both ears; and you or your child have diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney or neurological condition, or a weakened immune system.

Ear infections are not listed in UKHSA’s exclusion table, so there is no set time away from nursery or school. Keep your child at home while they have a high temperature or are in too much pain to take part, and check with the setting about giving any prescribed medicine.