Otitis media refers to infection of which part of the ear?

Otitis media refers to infection of which part of the ear?

• A. Outer ear
• B. Inner ear
• C. Middle ear
• D. Tympanic membrane

Answer: (C)

Otitis media is infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the tympanic membrane that contains the auditory ossicles. The infection often follows a viral upper respiratory tract infection when the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed or blocked, trapping fluid and bacteria in the middle ear. Symptoms typically include ear pain, possible fever, and muffled hearing. On exam, the tympanic membrane may appear red and bulging with reduced mobility due to fluid behind it. The tympanic membrane itself is not the site of infection; it marks the boundary between the outer ear and the middle ear. Otitis externa is infection of the outer ear canal, and inner ear infections involve structures like the labyrinth. Thus, the middle ear is the correct location for otitis media.

Otitis media is infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the tympanic membrane that contains the auditory ossicles. The infection often follows a viral upper respiratory tract infection when the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed or blocked, trapping fluid and bacteria in the middle ear. Symptoms typically include ear pain, possible fever, and muffled hearing. On exam, the tympanic membrane may appear red and bulging with reduced mobility due to fluid behind it. The tympanic membrane itself is not the site of infection; it marks the boundary between the outer ear and the middle ear. Otitis externa is infection of the outer ear canal, and inner ear infections involve structures like the labyrinth. Thus, the middle ear is the correct location for otitis media.