Do Hearing Issues, Earache And Fever In A Child Require ER Consultation Despite Taking Antibiotics?

Posted on Mon, 1 Jan 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Jan 2018 Answered on

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my 5 year old daughter has infections in both ears and has been on antibiotics since Thursday (December 28th). She’s still in pain, is running a fever and can’t hear anything out of her right ear. Should I take her to the ER? I’m concerned about her loss of hearing and that the antibiotics aren’t working.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take her to the emergency room but do not panic about loss of hearing

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I understand your concern. There is no need to panic about hearing loss.

During acute middle ear infection, there can be blockade of the eustachian tube which is called eustachian tube catarrh, which is the most common cause for temporary blocked hearing like feeling.

I suggest you to take her to the emergency room and get her ears examined by and otoscope. But at the same time I can reassure you that you need not panic about hearing loss.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth Amperayani MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paediatrics).,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana