ABSTRACT
The hearing loss in otitis media is caused by impeded sound transmission across the eardrum and the ossicular chain as a result of the added mass in the middle ear. Tinnitus rarely is present; when it is reported, the patient reports hearing his/her own pulse-beat. Although hearing loss during an attack of acute otitis media may be a cause for concern after the pain has subsided, the immediate and urgent problem is the relief of pain. However, what is most important in the long run is to treat otitis media adequately so that it resolves without leaving any pennanent hearing damage.
