Ear infection is generally a minor medical problem that is cured without any serious interventions. Complications are not likely with acute otitis media.
Most children will experience a mild hearing loss during and shortly after the infection. This is because of the long-standing fluid in the ear. Ear infections may return.
Other complications that may occur are:
- Speech or language delay in children
- A ruptured eardrum
- Mastoiditis (an infection of the bones around the skull)
- Meningitis (an infection of the brain)
- Enlarged Adenoids
- Formation of an abscess or a cyst from chronic ear infections