US Medical Term · anatomy
Middle Ear
Oído medio
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Middle Ear |
| Spanish (Español) | Oído medio |
| Chinese (中文) | 中耳 |
| Korean (한국어) | 중이 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Tai giữa |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Gitnang tainga |
| Portuguese (Português) | Ouvido médio |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | หูชั้นกลาง |
| Japanese (日本語) | 中耳 |
What it means
The middle ear is the air-filled space behind the eardrum that transmits sound vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear. It contains three tiny bones — the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup) — collectively called the ossicles. These bones form a mechanical chain that amplifies sound vibrations and transfers them to the cochlea in the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube, which equalizes air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. Middle ear infections (otitis media) are very common, especially in children, and occur when bacteria or viruses enter this space and cause fluid buildup and inflammation. Chronic infections can damage the ossicles and cause hearing loss.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My child has fluid in the middle ear and the doctor wants to put in ear tubes.
Mi hijo tiene líquido en el oído medio y el doctor quiere colocarle tubos de ventilación.
I have pain and pressure deep in my ear — could it be a middle ear infection?
Tengo dolor y presión dentro del oído — ¿podría ser una infección del oído medio?
How does a middle ear infection cause hearing loss?
¿Cómo causa una infección del oído medio la pérdida auditiva?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026