With nearly 70 percent of youngsters developing otitis media by age two, middle ear infections rank second only to the common cold as the most frequent illness among American children. Early detection and treatment of middle ear infections are essential to prevent serious consequences. Usually, otitis media occurs when bacteria or a virus invade the middle ear as a result of cold, allergies, infected adenoids, or blocked or narrowed eustachian tubes. In cases of otitis media with effusion, there is an accumulation of fluid, but no infection. This also needs to be treated since it can lead to hearing loss, or impaired hearing function such as noise filtration, sound localization or voice discrimination.
Children are much more susceptible to middle ear infections than adults.
However, most children outgrow their susceptibility by age eight. Babies may be fussy, cry and rub or pull at their ears. Discharge of blood or pus from the ear, in very severe cases. Nausea and vomiting. Temporary hearing loss.