Which type of otitis media is characterized by severe retraction and thickening of the tympanic membrane?

Adhesive otitis media is characterized by severe retraction and thickening of the tympanic membrane. This condition occurs when there is a prolonged negative pressure in the middle ear, often due to chronic otitis media, leading to the drawing inward of the eardrum. Over time, the tympanic membrane can become fibrotic and thickened, which results in its adhesive nature. This adhesive quality can cause the eardrum to stick to the structures of the middle ear, potentially leading to further complications such as hearing loss.

In contrast, suppurative otitis media typically involves an accumulation of pus due to infection, serous otitis media is characterized by fluid buildup without infection, and mucoid otitis media refers to a thicker, mucus-like fluid in the middle ear, but does not necessarily present with the significant retraction and thickening of the tympanic membrane associated with the adhesive form. The specific changes in the physical structure of the tympanic membrane in adhesive otitis media is what distinguishes it in this context.