2yo crying covering ears saying “loud”

[Wanttohelpbuthow]

Posting here for traffic sorry but I’m starting to get a bit panicked!

7yo daughter has had some sort of virus since Monday - fever, body aches, tired etc but has slowing got better

2yo came down with it yesterday. He’s got limited speech but I just put him to bed at 7 and he woke up suddenly crying saying loud and covering his ears. I’m currently rocking him and he’s drifting off but every so often waking up in a panic saying loud and hitting his ears … fever dream? Ear infection? Something else?
i have 2 other children here and am alone, I will ring 111 but am sure it’ll be a long wait for a call back

Have you given him calpol? He could be aware of his heart beating if fast or if he is choked up. What's his temp?

Try ibuprofen- he may be bunged up and interpreting that as loud? Ibuprofen would reduce inflammation and also help any pain.

If it carries on though especially the ear hitting I’d get him checked for an ear infection, those are so horrible.