Otitis Media - Diagnosis

Diagnosis

Acute otitis media is usually diagnosed via visualization of the tympanic membrane in combination with the appropriate clinical history. The use of a monocular otoscope and perhaps a tympanometer may not be able to distinguish bacterial versus viral etiology, especially if the canal is small and there is wax in the ear that obscures a clear view of the eardrum. Also, an upset child's crying can cause the eardrum to look inflamed due to distension of the small blood vessels on it, mimicking the redness associated with otitis media.

The occurrence, duration, or severity of symptoms is not predictive of an ear infection in the absence of examination of the eardrum.

• Otitis media acuta - Myringitis bullosa

• Influenza

• Otitis media acuta

• Otitis media chronica mesotympanalis

• Otitis media chronica mesotympanalis

• Otitis media chronica mesotympanalis

• Otitis media chronica mesotympanalis

• The tympanic membrane as it appears in acute otitis media

Otitis media has many degrees of severity, and various names are used to describe each. The terminology is sometimes confusing because of multiple terms being used to describe the same condition. A common misconception with ear infection is that sufferers think that a symptom is itchy ear. Although sufferers may feel discomfort, an itchy ear is not a symptom of ear infection.