Our ears help us hear the world around us: music, laughter, voices, and more!
Inside the ear, there are many tiny parts. One of them is called the eardrum — a small, round piece that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.

Sometimes, germs get into the middle ear, behind the eardrum. This can cause an infection called otitis media. The germs build up fluid or pus, which presses on the eardrum. That pressure can hurt a lot!

It’s a bit like filling a balloon with too much water. As the water stretches the balloon, it feels tight and might even burst. That’s similar to the pressure and pain someone feels during an ear infection.