LT, a 4 y/o child, presents to your clinic with complaints of mild ear pain and a temperature of 99.9 degrees F. His mom notes that LT has been grabbing at his ear for the last 12-24 hours and you examine mild bulging of the tympanic membrane. She has a history of being responsible when following-up. You determine that "watchful waiting" instead of an antibiotic prescription is warranted for his acute otitis media diagnosis because: