Otitis media is infection of the middle ear.
Cause Acute or severe otitis media is usually caused by bacterial or viral activity in the middle ear. The middle ear is the part between the eardrum and the cochlea, where sounds are converted to nerve signals. Chronic or recurring otitis media may be caused by viruses, funguses, or allergies . In children the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the throat with the ear, is very short and nearly horizontal. Along this short pathway microorganisms from the throat easily travel to the ear.