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.

Acute complicated sinusitis can occur in children and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While medical management is critical, it is important to provide multi-disciplinary care to involve surgical specialists. Since intracranial and extracranial complications can result from acute sinusitis, active communication among all these specialists is paramount to achieve the best patient outcomes. Children with these conditions are best managed at centers where appropriate pediatric medical and surgical subspecialty care is available.