[Skip to Content]

What Is Otitis Media?

Otitis Media

Say: oh-TY-tus ME-dee-uh

Most kids have had an ear infection, also known as otitis media. Media means middle, so when you get an ear infection, germs get into the middle part of the ear causing fluid or pus to build up in the space behind the eardrum. This makes your ear sore. The good news is that ear infections often go away on their own in a few days. Sometimes a doctor will give you some medicine to make it better.