Otitis media.

Otitis media is a disease involving the inflammation and infection of the middle ear. Despite modern medical therapy, its widespread incidence in all age groups makes it one of the most common illnesses seen by physicians. The advent of a wide range of antibiotics has helped to decrease the number of complications resulting from the disease. Nevertheless, the large number of missed school and work days and the hearing losses and related problems that accompany otitis media make it a perpetual menace to public health.