Ear Infections

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is a condition that causes inflammation (redness and swelling) of the external ear canal, which is the tube between the entrance to the ear canal and eardrum.

Symptoms of otitis externa include:

• Earache
• Itchiness and swelling in the ear canal
• Discharge from the Ear Canal
• Temporary Hearing Loss

With treatment these symptoms should clear within a few days. However in some cases it may persist for several months or longer on rare occasions.

What causes otitis externa?

Most cases of otitis externa are caused by a bacterial infection, although the condition can also be caused by:

• Irritation
• Fungal infections
• Allergies

There are a number of things that can make you more likely to develop otitis externa, including:

• Regularly getting water in your ear
• Insertion of Hearing Aids