What is otitis externa?

Otitis externa refers specifically to an infection or inflammation affecting the outer ear, which encompasses the ear canal and the part of the ear that is visible. This condition is often colloquially referred to as "swimmer's ear," as it is commonly associated with water exposure that leads to pathologic changes in the ear canal, making it susceptible to infections caused by bacteria or fungi.

The symptoms of otitis externa typically include ear pain, itching, redness in the ear canal, and sometimes discharge. Understanding the distinction between otitis externa and other types of ear conditions, such as middle ear infections (otitis media) or inner ear issues, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

While the other options reference ear conditions, they do not correctly define otitis externa. They pertain to different areas of the ear or hearing issues that are unrelated to the outer ear specifically.