Malignant otitis externa Malignant otitis externa is a serious, but rare, complication of otitis externa, where the infection spreads to the bone that surrounds your ear canal
[nhsinform.scot]
In general, otitis media is not serious and does not normally cause permanent hearing problems if treated properly.
[hear-it.org]
Symptoms Babies and toddlers often start with pulling or scratching at the ear, along with hearing problems, fever, drainage from the ear, irritability, and vomiting.
[medtronic.com]