Though earaches occur with the common cold and the flu, sometimes a middle ear infection (otitis media) can occur as a secondary symptom. Persistent ear pain is a sign of ear infection, which requires immediate medical care. Left untreated, Ear infections can lead to long-term damage from permanent hearing loss to a ruptured eardrum. Some symptoms of ear infection include: Loss of appetite Poor Sleep Dizziness Difficulty hearing Fever Irritability Drainage from the ear If ...