What is a common symptom of otitis externa?

A common symptom of otitis externa, often referred to as swimmer's ear, is pain and discomfort in the outer ear. This condition typically involves inflammation of the outer ear canal, which can result from factors such as moisture, bacterial or fungal infections, or skin conditions. The inflammation leads to symptoms that prominently include localized pain, tenderness, and sometimes itching within the ear canal.

Pain is often exacerbated by pulling on the earlobe or pressing on the tragus (the small cartilaginous flap in front of the ear canal), making it a significant indicator of the condition. This symptom is critical for diagnosis and differentiates otitis externa from other ear conditions where such localized pain may not be as pronounced.

While increased earwax production might occur as a response to irritation or infection, it is not a defining symptom of otitis externa. Complete hearing loss can occur in more severe cases or with other ear conditions but is not a typical or immediate symptom of otitis externa itself. Similarly, ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, may be experienced for various reasons but would not specifically align with the characteristic symptoms of otitis externa, especially without accompanying discomfort.