Final answer:
The most severe complication of acute otitis media is bacterial meningitis, a serious condition that can lead to high morbidity and mortality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most severe complication of acute otitis media (AOM) is bacterial meningitis. AOM is an ear infection characterized by the accumulation of pus in the middle ear. Conditions such as the blockage of eustachian tubes can escalate to otitis media with effusion, where the fluid acts as a breeding ground for bacteria.
When these infections spread, they can cause severe inflammation and complications. One particularly serious development is when the infection moves to the central nervous system, potentially resulting in bacterial meningitis. This is one of the most critical forms of meningitis, often associated with high morbidity and mortality, making it a severe complication that arises from untreated or poorly managed AOM.