Which symptom is typically associated with otitis media?

Otitis media, an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, is characterized by several specific symptoms, one of which is earache accompanied by a bulging tympanic membrane (TM). The presence of pain indicates that the middle ear is inflamed, and the bulging of the tympanic membrane occurs due to the accumulation of fluid and pus in the middle ear space. This buildup creates pressure against the TM, leading to the pain often described by patients as a deep, throbbing earache.

The other options do not align with the typical clinical presentation for otitis media. Sharp pain in the outer ear usually suggests an external ear issue, severe dizziness could indicate vestibular involvement which is not common with otitis media, and earwax blockage would relate to a different condition and not present with the typical signs of middle ear infection. Thus, the combination of earache along with a bulging tympanic membrane is a classic symptom indicative of otitis media.