Making the Diagnosis
Based on a visual examination and description of the symptoms, your doctor
can diagnose otitis media. In an infected ear, the eardrum usually appears
red and swollen. If pus is draining from the ear, a sample can be sent for lab
analysis, to identify which type of bacteria is causing the infection.
When fluid builds up in the middle ear, the doctor can perform a tympanometry.
This is a simple hearing test that measures the pressure on both sides of the
eardrums.