What serious condition can occur secondary to otitis media?

Perforation of the ear drum is a serious condition that can occur as a complication of otitis media. Otitis media refers to inflammation and infection of the middle ear, which can lead to increased pressure within the ear. If this pressure becomes too great, it can cause a rupture or perforation in the tympanic membrane (ear drum).

This perforation can result in several issues, such as hearing loss, increased vulnerability to further infections, and potential discharge from the ear. The management of a perforated eardrum often requires medical attention to prevent complications and to promote healing.

While earwax blockage, tinnitus, and otosclerosis can be associated with ear conditions, they do not directly arise as secondary complications of otitis media. Earwax blockage is usually the result of wax buildup, tinnitus is often a symptom of other issues within the auditory system, and otosclerosis is a bone abnormality in the ear that usually develops independently of otitis media. Hence, the risk of tympanic membrane perforation directly relates to the acute inflammation and infection characteristic of otitis media, making it the most serious condition among the choices listed.