Approximately 85% of children have had at least one episode of acute otitis media by the age of 3 years. Peaks occur from age 6 to 36 months and again at age 4 to 6 years. The incidence of acute otitis media is higher in male children, in lower socioeconomic groups, and in children with cleft palate. Incidence of acute otitis media is also higher in white populations than in black populations.
