Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Inflammation of the outer ear and/or ear canal.
TreatmentsPart of: Otitis
About Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
A red and swollen outer ear canal is a typical sign of an inflammation, also called otitis externa. It is one of the most common causes of earache. Unlike a middle ear infection, an otitis externa is usually caused by bacteria or fungi, and not a virus.
The outer ear begins at the visible outside part of the ear (the pinna) and ends at the eardrum. The middle ear starts behind the eardrum.
Symptoms
If you have otitis externa, your ear may hurt or feel uncomfortable — especially when you touch or pull on it. The ear might also be blocked, making it difficult to hear. Liquid may leak from the ear too.
About one out of three people have otitis externa symptoms that are so severe their every-day lives are affected. About one out of five people have to spend a few days in bed because of the symptoms… Read more about Swimmer’s Ear