Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals.

It is subdivided into the following:

• Otitis externa or External Otitis - involves the outer ear and ear canal. In External Otitis, the ear hurts when touched or pulled. This condition is often called "swimmer's ear".
• Otitis media or Middle Ear Infection- involves the middle ear. In Otitis media, the ear is infected or clogged with fluid behind the ear drum, in the normally air-filled middle-ear space. This very common childhood infection sometimes requires a surgical procedure called "myringotomy and tube insertion".
• Otitis interna or Labyrinthitis- involves the inner ear. The Inner Ear includes sense organs for balance and hearing. When the inner ear is inflamed, vertigo ("room spinning") is a major symptom.