Tympanitis is a medical condition that refers to inflammation of the middle ear. The condition is commonly caused by bacterial or viral infections and may result in severe pain, fever, and hearing loss. If left untreated, tympanitis may lead to complications such as permanent hearing damage or eardrum rupture. There are many synonyms for tympanitis, including otitis media, middle ear infection, and acute otitis media. Other related terms might include labyrinthitis, otitis externa, and mastoiditis, which all refer to different types of ear infections. Proper treatment for tympanitis often involves antibiotics, pain relief, and management of any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to the ear infection.