Secretory otitis media(SOM) is a common and frequently occurring disease featured by middle ear cavity exudant, ear nausea, and hearing loss. Morbidity of children is higher than that of adults. The pathogenesis and etiology of SOM are clear so far. Previous reports concluded that the mechanical obstruction and dysfunction of the eustachian tube are among the important causes of infection. The mechanism of infection and immune response in the pathogenesis of SOM is currently becoming a research hot spot, providing a reference for further study. Secretory otitis media (SOM) is a common and frequently occurring disease featured by middle ear cavity exudant, ear nausea, and hearing loss. Morbidity of children is higher than that of adults. The pathogenesis and etiology of SOM are clear so far. Previous reports said that the mechanical obstruction and dysfunction of the eustachian tube are among the important causes of infection. The mechanism of infection and immune response in the pathogenesis of SOM is currently becoming a research hot spot, providing a reference for further study.