In simple terms, otitis media is an ear infection. It is inflammation of the inner ear, often caused by moisture which gets collected in the ear or by minor injury to the ear canal. The moisture often collects after swimming or bathing. Often allergies cause liquid to build up in the ear. Injuries often occur with hard impact with water or careless or intense use of cotton swabs. Discomfort, bacterial growth, or infection generally results.

Behind the eardrums is located the section of the ear called the middle ear, which houses a complex arrangement of tiny bones sensitive to sound waves. When sound waves pass over the middle ear, it transmits the sound to the inner ear. Nearby, the Eustachian tube connects the ear to the nose.

Otitis media may result from foreign matter br ...