Which symptom is NOT typically associated with acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media is an infection of the middle ear that often presents with various characteristic symptoms. Among those typically seen are fever, ear pain, and decreased hearing.

Fever can occur as part of the body's inflammatory response to the infection, signaling that the immune system is activated. Ear pain is also a classic symptom, resulting from the build-up of fluid and pressure in the middle ear. Decreased hearing may occur, as fluid in the middle ear can impede the normal functioning of the auditory system, blocking sound transmission.

Itching, however, is not a common symptom associated with acute otitis media. Itching is more frequently linked to conditions affecting the outer ear or the ear canal, such as otitis externa or allergic reactions. Therefore, identifying itching as a symptom not typically associated with acute otitis media is accurate, distinguishing it from the more common symptoms of this condition.