What is a severe complication associated with otitis media?

A severe complication associated with otitis media is meningitis or mastoiditis. Otitis media is an infection of the middle ear, and if left untreated or if it becomes chronic, the infection can spread beyond the middle ear. Meningitis, which is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, can occur if the infection spreads to nearby structures. Mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone located behind the ear, is another serious complication that can develop from otitis media. Both conditions can lead to significant morbidity and require urgent medical treatment.

While hearing loss, deafness, and vertigo can be associated with otitis media, they typically occur as a result of the infection rather than as severe complications. Hearing loss may be temporary or long-term, depending on the severity and duration of the infection, but it is generally not classified as a severe complication in the same way that meningitis or mastoiditis is.