The diagnosis is made by the combination of symptoms and examination of the tympanic membrane for redness, bulging, and/or a middle ear effusion (collection of fluid within the middle ear).Complications of otitis media include hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, or extension of infection to surrounding anatomic structures, including:
Mastoiditis: infection of the air cells in the mastoid process, the area of the skull located right behind the ear
Petrositis: infection of the petrous portion of the temporal bone
Labyrinthitis
Meningitis
Subdural abscess
Brain abscess
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

Trauma
Barotrauma: results from changes in atmospheric pressure that occur when descending in a plane or deep diving. As atmospheric pressure increases with descent, the eustachian tube collapses due to pressure within the middle ear being less than the external pressure, which causes pain. In severe cases, middle ear hemorrhage or tympanic membrane rupture can result. Tympanic membrane rupture: disruption of the eardrum. This can be caused by a blow to the ear, blast injury, barotrauma, or direct penetration of the tympanic membrane by an object entering the ear. Referred ear pain
A variety of conditions can cause irritation of one of the nerves that provides sensation to the ear. Conditions causing irritation the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V):
Temporomandibular joint syndrome: inflammation or abnormal movements of the joint between the jaw and skull. These disorders are most common in women of childbearing age, and are uncommon in children younger than 10 years old. Myofascial pain syndrome: pain in the muscles involved in chewing.
Cryofibrinogenemic purpura is a skin condition that manifests as painful purpura with slow healing ulcerations and edema of both feet during winter months. : 823

See also
Cryofibrinogenemia
Skin lesion


== References ==