What is "otitis media"?

What is "otitis media"?

Jason Hamilton (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) gives expert video advice on: What is an ear infection?; What ear infection symptoms do children and teens experience?; What activities should I avoid if I have an ear infection? and more...

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear. The middle ear involves the eardrum itself and the bones or ossicles that help to amplify sound. Most commonly it involves children, and it can be caused by a blockage of the Eustachian tube, or it can be caused by bacteria that come from either the nose or the throat and work their way up the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. Otitis media is very painful, but it can be treated easily with antibiotics.