Short answer: Ear infections are very common in children and often get better on their own within about three days, though symptoms can last up to a week. Pain relief (paracetamol or ibuprofen) is the main treatment at home; antibiotics often aren't needed. See a pharmacist or GP if earache hasn't improved after three days. Get urgent advice if your child is generally unwell, has a very high temperature, swelling around the ear, fluid coming out of the ear, new hearing loss, or is under 12 months with pain in both ears.
It's 2am, your child wakes up screaming and grabbing their ear, and you're wondering whether to call someone. Here's what usually helps, and when to get checked.
Why children get so many
In young children, the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat is shorter and more horizontal than in adults, so it doesn't drain as easily, especially during a cold. That's why ear infections often follow a cough or cold, and why they become less common as children grow.
Signs to look for
- earache, often worse when lying down — which is why it flares at night;
- pulling, tugging or rubbing an ear in younger children;
- a high temperature;
- being irritable, off their food or not sleeping well;
- not responding to quiet sounds, or seeming to hear less well;
- discharge from the ear.
Why antibiotics often aren't needed
Many ear infections are caused by viruses, and most clear up within a few days whatever the cause. Antibiotics don't help viral infections and may cause side effects, so they're usually reserved for children who are more unwell or not improving. A pharmacist or GP can assess your child; in England, pharmacists can now treat ear infections in children through the Pharmacy First service.
Good pain relief isn't a side issue — it is the treatment. Give it at the right dose and at regular times, including before bed if your child is in pain.
What helps at home
- Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen suitable for your child's age and weight. Never give aspirin to under-16s.
- Warmth or cool: a warm or cold flannel held against the ear can be soothing.
- Discharge: gently wipe away any discharge from the outer ear with cotton wool.
- Nothing inside the ear: don't use cotton buds or fingers, and don't use drops or oils unless a pharmacist or doctor recommends them.
- Fluids and rest, as with any infection.
When to get help
See a pharmacist or GP if earache hasn't got better after three days, or your child keeps getting ear infections.
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 (or your local equivalent) if your child has ear infection symptoms and:
- seems generally unwell, or has a very high temperature or feels hot and shivery;
- has swelling around the ear;
- has fluid coming out of the ear;
- has a change in hearing or new hearing loss;
- is being sick, feels dizzy, or has a severe sore throat;
- is under 12 months and has earache in both ears;
- has a long-term condition or a weakened immune system.
Call 999 (UK), 911 (US) or 112 (EU) if your child has a stiff neck, a rash that doesn't fade under a glass, is very drowsy or confused, or has weakness on one side of the face.
Hearing after an infection
Sometimes fluid stays behind the eardrum for weeks after an infection (“glue ear”). It isn't usually painful, but it can muffle hearing, which matters for speech and language. If your child seems to hear less well, turns the TV up, or their speech isn't developing as expected, ask your GP about a hearing check. Children with repeated infections or long-lasting glue ear may be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Related reading
Supporting your toddler's language: Talking with Your Toddler (PDF, English) explains how to stimulate your child's language development, from first words to full stories.
Sources
- NHS — Ear infections.
- NHS — High temperature (fever) in children.
- NHS — Hearing tests.
Written by the Bloom Guides editorial team. Last updated: 20 October 2026. General information only — not a substitute for advice from your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111.