What Is Acute Otitis Media?
9. Prognosis
Most children and adults recover from acute otitis media with no long-term adverse effects. However, an infection that spreads to the brain can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage. An untreated ear infection can also cause meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain. This, too, can result in death or permanent complications.
Some children may be prone to recurrent ear infections, especially if multiple risk factors are present. Due to the short-term effect that AOM can have on the hearing, children who have frequent ear infections may experience speech delays.
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