Antibtiotics for Asymptomatic Acute Otitis Media

This study is testing whether a short course of antibiotics (azithromycin) helps Aboriginal children who have a middle ear infection with no pain or fever — called asymptomatic acute otitis media. Sometimes the eardrum bulges out from fluid buildup even when the child does not seem sick. Researchers want to find out if treating this early with antibiotics helps clear up the problem faster than simply waiting and watching. You may be eligible if: - Your child is an Aboriginal child living in a participating community - Your child is between 6 and 30 months old - Your child has been diagnosed with a bulging eardrum but has no ear pain or fever - You are able to bring your child back to the clinic for follow-up visits at 7, 14, and 28 days - You have given signed informed consent You may NOT be eligible if: - Your child has ear pain or fever along with the ear infection - Your child has had recent ear discharge or perforation (within the last 7 days) - Your child has chronic ear disease with ongoing discharge - Your child was already enrolled in this study before - Your child received antibiotics in the last 7 days (not including ear drops) - Your child has a more serious illness that already needs antibiotics - Your child is allergic to azithromycin - Your child has an immune system problem Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.