During the first few years of life it begins to extend downward allowing for easier drainage. Therefore, otitis media is most common during the first 2 years of life. Inflammation of the nasal end of the eustachian tube may produce swelling, thus impairing its function. Allergies have also been known to cause otitis media. Some foods that commonly cause allergic reactions in young children include milk, wheat, eggs, corn, yeast, peanuts, soybean, sugar and citrus.
Skeletal changes play an important part in the development of otitis media.
Children with upper respiratory problems are also more prone to develop otitis media. Family history, climate, and dietary reasons have also been linked to recurring otitis media. Amplification is not prescribed for the child with otitis media because in the majority of cases, the child's hearing returns to normal after the otitis media is cleared. However, more severe cases, especially when prolonged or left untreated, may result in a perforated ear drum, scar tissue on the ear drum and even a permanent hearing loss. Other, more serious, complications that could occur include facial nerve paralysis, meningitis, encephalitis or brain abscess.