What would you expect to find in a patient with a significant ear infection?

In a patient with a significant ear infection, the presence of muffled hearing and pain is a common symptom. Ear infections, also known as otitis media, can cause inflammation and fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can obstruct sound transmission. This obstruction is often perceived as muffled hearing. Pain is also a hallmark sign due to the pressure and inflammation affecting the ear structures. The combination of these symptoms reflects the physiological changes occurring during an ear infection, making them essential indicators for diagnosis and treatment.

Other choices do not align with the typical presentation of an ear infection. Clear vision and no pain would rather suggest an absence of an ear condition, while loud sounds and eye pressure do not correlate with ear issues. Lastly, increased appetite and decreased thirst are unrelated to ear infections and instead might suggest other underlying health concerns unrelated to the auditory system.