Which age group is primarily affected by otitis media?

Otitis media, which is an inflammation or infection of the middle ear, predominantly affects infants and toddlers. This susceptibility in young children can be attributed to several factors.

The anatomy of younger children’s ears is such that their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal compared to those in older children and adults. This anatomical configuration can impede proper drainage from the middle ear, making it easier for bacteria or viruses to cause infections. Additionally, infants and toddlers are often in environments where they are exposed to respiratory illnesses, which can further increase their risk of developing otitis media.

In contrast, other age groups experience otitis media but at a significantly lower incidence. Newborns typically have different health considerations, and school-aged children usually show a decline in incidence as their ear structures mature. Adolescents are also less commonly affected as they have fully developed anatomy and often fewer upper respiratory infections, which are a common precursor to otitis media. Therefore, the age group most impacted by this condition is indeed infants and toddlers.