Incidence and Cost of Otitis Media in High-income and Low- and Middle-income Countries

The worldwide incidence of AOM may be higher than prior estimates suggest. The reported frequency of AOM complications in LMICs, especially chronic suppurative otitis media and acquired deafness, is inconsistent with the reported low incidence rates. Costs per episode vary widely but represent a much larger economic burden than previously reported, supporting investment to prevent this infectious disease.