What is the most common age group affected by otitis media?

The most common age group affected by otitis media is infants and children. This condition, which involves inflammation or infection of the middle ear, is particularly prevalent in young children due to several anatomical and physiological reasons. Their eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, are shorter and more horizontal than in adults, making it easier for pathogens to reach the middle ear and cause infection. Additionally, children's immune systems are still developing, which can make them more susceptible to infections, including those that lead to otitis media.

In contrast, adults and seniors typically have more developed ear structures and a more robust immune response, which reduces their incidence of this condition. Teenagers may experience otitis media at lower rates than young children as well. Thus, it is clear that the age group most commonly affected is infants and children.