what is a ear infection
Medical Definition of Ear infection, middle (acute) Acute otitis media is typically associated with fluid accumulation in the middle ear together with signs or symptoms of ear infection; a bulging eardrum usually accompanied by pain, or a perforated eardrum, often with drainage of purulent material (pus, also termed suppurative otitis media). Fever can be present. Middle ear pus causes pain and temporary hearing loss. 2  Rupture of the eardrum allows the pus to drain into the ear canal. 3  Otitis media (ear infection or inflammation) is treated with observation, antibiotics, or ear tubes.