PART 2: Common Signs and Symptoms
Ear infections and hearing loss rarely arrive quietly. The body usually sends signals early. The problem? Many people ignore them, misread them, or self-treat until damage is done.
In my ENT practice in Kuala Lumpur, I often hear this phrase:
“Doctor, I thought it would go away.”
Sometimes it does. Often, it does not.
Let’s break down the common signs and symptoms you should never brush off.
Early Symptoms of Ear Infection
Ear infections do not always start with pain. In fact, early symptoms can be subtle.
Many patients describe a blocked or full sensation in the ear. It feels like water is trapped inside. Sound becomes dull. Conversations feel muffled. This is often due to fluid behind the eardrum.
Others notice intermittent ear discomfort, not sharp pain. It may worsen when lying down or chewing. Children may tug at their ears or become unusually irritable.
Another common sign is reduced hearing on one side. This is not true hearing loss yet. It is sound conduction being disrupted. Still, it is an early warning.
Progressive and Severe Infection Symptoms
When infection progresses, symptoms escalate.
Ear pain becomes more intense. It may throb or feel deep-seated. Sleep becomes difficult. Painkillers provide only temporary relief.
Ear discharge is another red flag. It may be clear, yellow, or foul-smelling. Many patients panic when discharge appears, but it actually means pressure has built up and escaped. Still, it requires urgent ENT assessment.
Some patients experience fever, fatigue, or general unwellness. Children may refuse food. Adults may struggle to concentrate at work.
In severe cases, dizziness or imbalance occurs. This suggests inner ear involvement. At this stage, hearing can drop suddenly.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss You Should Not Ignore
Hearing loss is rarely dramatic at first. It creeps in.
Patients often say:
- “People sound like they mumble.”
- “I can hear but cannot understand.”
- “I keep increasing the TV volume.”
This is classic early hearing loss.
Another overlooked symptom is ringing or buzzing in the ear, known as tinnitus. It may follow an ear infection or accompany hearing loss. Silence makes it worse. Stress amplifies it.
Some patients feel socially withdrawn. They avoid meetings or conversations. Listening becomes tiring. This emotional impact is real and underappreciated.
Children vs Adults: Different Warning Signs
Children often cannot explain symptoms. Watch for:
- Speech delay
- Poor school attention
- Frequent ear rubbing
- Balance issues
- Recurrent fever
Adults, on the other hand, may normalize symptoms. Busy schedules in Kuala Lumpur mean health gets postponed. Unfortunately, repeated infections increase the risk of chronic hearing damage.
Red Flag Symptoms That Need Urgent ENT Review
Certain symptoms should never wait.
Seek urgent ENT assessment if you experience:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Persistent ear discharge
- Severe dizziness or vomiting
- Facial weakness
- One-sided hearing loss
- Symptoms lasting more than two weeks
These may signal complications that require prompt treatment.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Symptoms are not random. They are messages.
Early ear infection symptoms are like smoke before a fire. Address them early, and the damage stays minimal. Ignore them, and complications follow.
Modern ENT care allows targeted treatment. We now avoid unnecessary antibiotics and focus on precise diagnosis. But timing is everything.
Reviewed by Dr Ameen, ENT Specialist, Kuala Lumpur
References
This article is written based on current evidence and clinical practice standards from leading ENT journals, including The Laryngoscope, JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Otology & Neurotology, Head & Neck, Clinical Otolaryngology, and European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology.
Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur 
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