What is a common subjective sign of otitis media?

Hearing loss is a common subjective sign of otitis media because it directly relates to changes in the function of the middle ear. When fluid accumulates in the middle ear space due to infection or inflammation, it can interfere with the normal vibration of the eardrum and the ossicles (the small bones in the ear). This can lead to a reduction in sound transmission, resulting in a sensation of hearing loss. Patients may describe this as a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing.

Ringing in the ears, nausea, and swelling in the ear are not typical subjective signs of otitis media. While tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may occur in some ear conditions, it is not as commonly associated with otitis media as hearing loss. Nausea is not a primary symptom connected with ear infections, and swelling would generally not be a subjective sign reported by the patient, as it refers to an observable physical change rather than a symptom experienced by the patient.