What is otitis media?
A person with otitis media has inflammation of the middle ear, which is the space behind the eardrum. The most common causes of otitis media are bacterial or viral infections of the middle ear. Otitis media is very common, but more common in children than in adults.

What are the symptoms of otitis media?
The most common symptoms of otitis media include hearing loss and ear pain. Additional symptoms may include dizziness, fever, ear discharge, nausea, and vomiting.

How does the doctor treat otitis media?
Treatment for otitis media may include oral antibiotics, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever.