Otitis media's prognosis is usually good without treatment. Otitis media from infection will usually go away naturally within two weeks. Otitis media from non-infectious causes with fluid buildup will usually go away naturally within 3 months. Complications from otitis media, including meningitis and mastoiditis (infections of the brain and bones around the skull, respectively) can lead to poor prognosis without treatment. Untreated otitis media may lead to permanent hearing impairment due to persistent fluid in the middle ear reducing a child's hearing. Children who have early hearing impairment from frequent ear infections are likely to have speech and language disabilities.
What to expect if I have Otitis media  (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Otitis media's prognosis is usually good without treatment. Otitis media from infection will usually go away naturally within two weeks. Otitis media from non-infectious causes with fluid buildup will usually go away naturally within 3 months. Complications from otitis media, including meningitis and mastoiditis (infections of the brain and bones around the skull, respectively) can lead to poor prognosis without treatment. Untreated otitis media may lead to permanent hearing impairment due to persistent fluid in the middle ear reducing a child's hearing. Children who have early hearing impairment from frequent ear infections are likely to have speech and language disabilities.