This protocol addresses apparent acute otitis media presenting in infants aged eight weeks or younger — a population whose management differs meaningfully from that of older children.
Approach within this age window is stratified by the infant's exact age. For the youngest febrile neonates, systemic evaluation takes priority alongside assessment of the ear. Antibiotic therapy is part of the approach for appropriate infants in the older portion of this age range. The complete age-stratified decision pathway is in the full protocol.