Prognosis
The prognosis (fate) of otitis media varies according to many factors such as the patient’s immunity, the virulence of the organism, and the provided treatment. Most patients with otitis media have an excellent prognosis as they have complete resolution of the infection and gradual restoration of their hearing acuity. Nowadays, the mortality rate of acute middle ear infection is insignificant due to better and more accessible healthcare resources.
Doubtlessly, early diagnosis and treatment result in a more favorable prognosis. Most patients with otitis media show improvement 2 to 3 days after getting treated with antibiotics. Patients with repeated attacks of otitis media may be more challenging to get treated. Complicated otitis media may result in irreversible hearing impairment in the affected ear. moreover, intra-cranial complications of otitis media are serious and life-threatening.
