blog writing #protect your hearing: understanding otitis media

Otitis media is a common illness marked by infection and middle ear irritation. The middle ear fluid builds up due to the obstruction of Eustachian tube (passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat). This fluid accumulation serves as a haven for bacteria and viruses, which leads to inflammation and infection (Shirai et al., 2019). Symptoms of this infection may change depending on the level of severity. More severe cases may result in substantial pain, fever, and hearing damage, whereas milder ones may cause minimal discomfort or hearing loss. Common symptoms in children include; ear pain, fever, hearing loss, difficulty sleeping, ear drainage, and irritability.