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.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
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William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
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Last Revised
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January 13, 2012 |