Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, the area that sits behind the eardrum. The middle ear contains an intricate system of tiny bones and membranes that vibrate as sound waves pass over them, thus transmitting sound signals to the inner ear. The middle ear also contains the eustachian tube, which connects the ear to the nose. This tube ventilates and equalises pressure in the middle ear. Otitis media, also known as an ear infection, produces pus, fluid, fullness, pain, and inflammation within the ear. Otitis media may also cause fever, hearing loss, and dizziness. Acute or severe otitis media may even cause the eardrum to rupture.

Otitis media symptoms are usually associated with upper respiratory infection, a cough or runny and stuffy nose. Otitis media is most commonly caused by trapped moisture in the ear and by minor injury to the ear canal. Swimming, bathing, allergies, or even cleaning your ear with a cotton-tipped swab can lead to discomfort, bacterial growth, and infection in the ear. As mentioned earlier, the eustachian tube serves to ventilate and drain moisture from the middle ear. As the eustachian tube swells or is simply irritated by pollutants in the nose, moisture in the ear is unable to drain through the nose and into the throat, thus causing discomfort and infection.

Xlear Inc. has developed a number of products, based on the natural bacteria fighter xylitol, that help to relieve and manage the causes and effects of an ear infection. The regular use of Xlear Nasal Wash™ flushes away pollutants, allergens, and infections in nasal passages that can lead to swelling of the eustachian tube. Xylitol is among bacteria's natural enemies. When certain harmful bacteria enter the body, they attach to the membranes of the nose and throat and onto the ear. Xlear Nasal Wash flushes the delicate tissue that connects the nose and ear and helps manage future ear infection.

In addition, Spry Chewing Gums™, are great solutions for jaw movement to relieve pressure in the ear, are sugar free and promote dental health. Clinical studies have shown substantial reductions in the occurrence of ear infections in children that regularly chew xylitol-rich gum. Xylitol helps prevent bacteria from migrating up the eustachian tubes into the middle ear.