Otitis Media

📖What is Otitis Media?

Otitis media is inflammation and infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that houses the tiny bones responsible for hearing. It is one of the most common childhood illnesses, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection when the Eustachian tube, which normally drains the middle ear, becomes blocked and allows fluid and bacteria or viruses to accumulate. The buildup of fluid and pressure behind the eardrum causes pain, and in more severe cases can lead to eardrum rupture or hearing difficulty. Most cases resolve with appropriate treatment, though recurrent episodes can affect speech and language development in young children.

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