Abstract
This article summarizes significant acute infections involving the pediatric temporal
bone. First, the management of acute otitis media (AOM) is discussed, including the
medical and surgical management of invasive intracranial and extracranial complications
associated with advanced disease. The clinical and radiographic findings, microbiology,
and management of acute mastoiditis are discussed in greater detail, followed by the
presentation and treatment of acute otitis externa (AOE). Finally, we discuss infectious
considerations in auditory implants. The indications and use of both cochlear implants
(CI) and bone conduction hearing implants have rapidly expanded in children, requiring
greater understanding of managing infections in the context of these devices.
Keywords
otitis media - mastoiditis - otitis externa - subdural empyema - meningitis - cochlear
implants - facial nerve paralysis - labyrinthitis
