Otitis media is caused by inflammation or infection in the middle ear. It can occur as a result of colds, sore throats or respiratory infections.
Infants and young children (ages 6 months to two years) are more likely to develop ear infections. The best preventive measure is to treat nasal congestion, and irrigation with saline solution to remove the irritants and allergens from the back of the throat. The peak incidence of otitis media in children is between 6 and 12 months of age, decreases after the age of five.