Our 5 month old baby boy keeps tugging at his left ear. It is not an ear infection as confirmed by our pediatrician. He is not teething either.
It seems to be a nervous habit of his. He does it without really thinking seemingly or just absent-mindedly tugs at his left ear (not his right).
The other day he was tugging at it so much he scratched himself. He seems to be doing this more and more regularly...
Should we be concerned? Is this a red flag to something more serious? I've read somewhere that these types of repetitive actions are cause for concern -- possibly early signs of a disorder...???
Any insights or suggestions?
2007-08-23 17:17:41 · 14 answers · asked by agoodfellahk 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I have a 8 month old son that does the exact same thing except he does it with both ears. He always just reaches up grabs them pulls and sometimes bats at them and ends up scratching himself.
I have taken him to the doctor countless times thinking he has an ear infection and they always tell me he does not. The last time they told me he has a virus and that his sinuses are probably making his ears seems clogged. Also, does he do this when he is tired? Sometimes my son does it when he wants to be put to bed.
I hope some of this helps.
2007-08-23 17:36:26 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son will be 6 months tomorrow and has been teething for the last 2 1/2 months and I just recently noticed swollen gums and I can see very little white. It has come through yet. He has drool so much and chews on everything in sight. Athe funny thing is that I noticed the other day him tugging on his ear and thought he might have a ear ache but didn't seem any different. So I guess ear tugging and teething can be associated. He also gets fevers and I heard they can rashes from teething. All these signs pretty much say he's teething. I heard it can take months before it cuts through. Good Luck!
2016-05-21 04:29:29 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know a baby who had the same symptom (now year and a half old). She kept tugging her ear. It turned out to be an ear ache from poor drainage that came and went. The Pediatrician eventually said that if she keeps having that problem recurring she might need tubes in her ears. [Her father had tubes in his ears as a child multiple times but outgrew the poor drainage that gave him ear aches.]
2007-08-23 17:28:28 · answer #3 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
im not shure..well my nephew hits him self in the head. and they thought well early signs of a disorder like Tourette's Syndrome! And he contiunes to do this and he is aprroching his 3rd birthday. So its very possible he has a disorder..keep him healthy and happy, make shure to keep checking in with a doctor and advice! There is a doctor out there that can give you an answer! if you feel there is something wrong don't doubt your instinct and continue on your search from an answer! good luck with you son =]
2007-08-23 17:36:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't be concerned about it being a sign of a disorder. He's probably found his ear and now playing with it is comforting to him. Some kids suck their thumbs, a pacifier, play with a soft toy, etc. Your child likes to play with his ear. My daughter used to do the same thing. She has since moved on to twirling her hair. You can't imagine the mats; she looks like Bob Marley! I wish she'd go back to her ear!
2007-08-24 01:10:38 · answer #5 · answered by Ann W 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You know what? my son has the exact same thing..on his 9 month check up { hes 10 months now } I thought he had an ear infection because he kept tuggin at his LEFT ear...but she said no...he was teething at the time but i dont think its that..i have no idea..his teething is going by SUPER EASY! nothing, no crying nothing..He might just start to be teething ...i dont know though. our babies have the same thing..lol
2007-08-23 17:27:19 · answer #6 · answered by Ladels Mommy! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go ahead and invest in an otoscope.
It will give you the piece of mind without a trip to the pediatrician.
I have one and am very happy with it.
2007-08-23 17:42:57 · answer #7 · answered by mom2jjorion 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be an ear infection or simply a habit
2007-08-23 17:35:51 · answer #8 · answered by azariele 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
he may not have an ear infection but it possible for him to have fluid build up in his ear drums. Ask your doctor about it the next time you see him/her.
2007-08-23 17:29:54 · answer #9 · answered by Wishmaster 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, my best guess would be an ear infection. I'm not a doctor, but thats my best uneducated guess. good luck! hope your son feels better soon!
2007-08-23 17:25:21 · answer #10 · answered by hellonwheelz3 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋