Why might it be difficult for a parent to detect otitis media in a child?

Detecting otitis media in a child can be challenging for parents because young children often cannot articulate their discomfort or symptoms clearly. Signs like irritability, tugging at the ear, or difficulty sleeping may be subtle and easily attributed to other issues. Additionally, symptoms such as fever or runny nose can overlap with common colds, making it hard to pinpoint an ear infection specifically. Parents may also lack the knowledge of what to look for, further complicating diagnosis.