Allows drainage from the middle ear to the throat. Protects the middle ear from germs that may enter the throat. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, fluid builds up in the middle ear cavity and may become infected, especially if bacteria are present from a cold. The build-up of pus and fluid puts pressure on the eardrum, resulting in redness and pain. If the pressure becomes severe, the eardrum may rupture.
Sound enters the ear canal, hits the eardrum and causes the small bones in the ear to vibrate.
If there is fluid in the middle ear, the bones do not vibrate as efficiently as they should. Sound energy is lost and the individual does not hear at a normal loudness level. Normal development of speech and language requires good hearing skills in early childhood. Speech and language may not develop at a normal rate if a child's hearing is impaired. Since Otitis Media can interfere with a child's hearing, speech and language delays may occur.