TABLE 1.
Overview of different types of OM and their definitions
| OM type | Definitiona |
|---|---|
| Otitis media (OM) | A spectrum of disease conditions characterized by accumulation of fluid in the middle ear cavity and inflammation of the middle ear cleft |
| Acute otitis media (AOM) | The rapid onset of acute infection within the middle ear, characterized by signs and symptoms such as otalgia and fever |
| Otitis media with effusion (OME) | Inflammation of the middle ear without signs or symptoms of acute infection and accompanied by accumulation of fluid |
| Chronic otitis media (COM) | Chronic inflammation (≥3 mos) of the mucosa and submucosa of the middle ear; may result in changes not only to the mucosa and submucosa but also to the tympanic membrane and ossicles |
| Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) | Chronic inflammation (≥3 mos) of the middle ear and mastoid mucosa with a nonintact tympanic membrane (perforation or ventilation tube) and persistent ear discharge |