Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, it usually occurs after respiratory tract infections. It is often prevalent among ages 6 to 36 months and 4 to 6 years old.It is seen most frequently in males and children with cleft palate. There is also a higher incidence of otitis media in formula fed infants than those who are breast fed because of a more slanted position that a formula fed infants are held while feeding. This allows the milk to enter eustachian tube or the middle ear.

Otitis media is a serious condition or disease of childhood because if not treated it can lead to serious and permanent ear damage of the middle ear leading to hearing impairment.

Otitis media generally comes after a respiratory infection. Children can have colds or rhinitis and perhaps a low grade fever for few days. And suddenly they will have a fever of 102 F (38 C) and a sharp constant pain on single or both ears. Children that cannot yet verbalized pain becomes extremely irritable and frequently pulls the affected ear. Due to inflammation, the ear wax melts causing it to flow to the external ear canal. During the course of otitis media, most children have a conductive hearing loss. But this conductive hearing loss is only temporary and may only last for about 6 months after an acute infection.

Children usually are given an antipyretic and analgesic. Some physician may prescribe decongestant nose drops to open eustachian tube tubes to allow air to be admitted to the middle ear. This is believe to help preventing the infection from becoming serious.