Final answer:
For acute otitis media (AOM), an infection of the middle ear common in children, the use of antibiotics is common if the infection is bacterial. Pain relievers can be prescribed to alleviate symptoms, but antiviral medications are not used as treatments, and hearing aids are not relevant to AOM treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute otitis media (AOM) is an infection of the middle ear common in young children, specifically between the ages of 3 months and 3 years. It is one of the primary reasons for pediatrician visits and the prescription of antibiotics in the United States for children under the age of five. When treating AOM, the main focus is on eliminating the infection and providing relief for the associated pain and symptoms.
Given that otitis media is an infection, antibiotics are often prescribed to treat it, especially if the provider determines the cause to be bacterial. However, not all cases of AOM will require antibiotics. Some cases may be viral or resolve on their own, in which case, pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended to manage symptoms. Antiviral medications are not typically used for AOM, as they only treat viral infections and many cases of AOM are bacterial. Hearing aids are used for persistent hearing loss, which may potentially result from chronic otitis media, but are not a treatment for the infection itself.