Middle Ear Infection: Symptoms and Fixes . . Otitis media is inflammation/infection of the middle ear space behind the eardrum, common in children due to shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes. After a cold or allergy flare, the tube swells, traps fluid, and creates a warm, low‑oxygen pocket where bacteria or viruses multiply. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability, tugging at the ear, and temporary hearing reduction; infants may have poor feeding or sleep. Acute cases show a bulging,