True or False: The only condition that requires surgical intervention for otitis media is perforation.

The statement is false because otitis media can require surgical intervention for reasons beyond just perforation of the tympanic membrane. While perforation may necessitate surgery, especially to repair the membrane or address chronic infection, other conditions related to otitis media can also lead to surgical options being considered.

For instance, recurrent otitis media may prompt the insertion of tympanostomy tubes to provide drainage and ventilation of the middle ear. Additionally, in cases where the infection is severe or persistent and not responding to conventional medical management, surgical options may be pursued to remove infected tissue or address underlying anatomical issues.

Thus, surgical intervention for otitis media is not solely contingent upon the presence of perforation; it can also relate to the frequency and severity of the infections, as well as the overall condition of the patient's middle ear.