Acute otitis media is one of the most frequent childhood infections, with up to 85% of infants having an episode by their first birthday.1 Though frequently self-limiting, it is not without significant economic implications. It is estimated that otitis media costs the American healthcare system US$3 billion per year.2 The most common symptoms experienced are fever and otalgia, which is often severe.
Recurrent otitis media, defined as three or more episodes in 6 months, has been associated with hearing deficits and speech delay. Even an isolated episode of acute otitis media can have severe complications including mastoiditis and intracranial spread of infection. …