Epidemiology 

Otitis media (middle ear infection) is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It causes about 20 million doctor visits every year. Around 17–20% of children get acute otitis media (AOM) in their first two years. By age two, nearly 9 out of 10 children will have fluid in their middle ear at least once. Otitis media often comes back — about one-third of kids have six or more episodes before they turn seven.

Other developed countries have similar rates of otitis media. In poorer countries, the disease is even more common and can cause serious complications, including death, because it is often diagnosed late. Some groups, like Micronesian and Australian Aboriginal children, have higher rates of both acute and chronic ear infections.

In the past, Black and Hispanic children were thought to have more ear infections than White children. But after considering other factors like income and environment, Black and White children have similar rates. Hispanic children, Alaskan Inuit, and some Native American groups still have higher rates than others.