Topical Treatment of Acute Otitis Media Through Tympanostomy Tubes (AOMT) and Its Effect on Microbial Flora

Inclusion Criteria: * Six months to less than 5 years of age at time of enrollment; * Presence of bilateral, patent tympanostomy tubes; * Otorrhea-free for at least 7 days following tympanostomy tube surgery (healthy group); * Otorrhea up to and including 21 days in duration in at least one ear at Visit 1 (treatment group); * Willing to refrain from significant water immersion of both ears without the use of adequate ear protection during swimming, bathing, showering and other water-related activities; * Read and sign informed consent (parent or guardian); * Other protocol-defined inclusion criteria may apply. Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing/current therapy as described in protocol; * Has received any treatment for current AOMT episode (treatment group); * Otorrhea greater than 21 days in duration immediately prior to Day 1 visit (treatment group); * History of or current acute or chronic non-tube otorrhea (through existing perforation of the eardrum); * Current acute otitis externa (AOE), or malignant otitis externa (MOE) or other conditions which could interfere with evaluation of the study drug; * Known or suspected ear infection of fungal or mycobacterial origin (treatment group); * History or active herpes simplex, vaccina or varicella infections or overt viral infection of the tympanic membrane or the external canal; * Prior otologic surgery, except that confined to the tympanic membrane, within one year of study entry; * Diabetes; * Any current known or suspected infe…