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

Otitis externa is often referred to as "swimmer's ear" because repeated exposure to water can make the ear canal more vulnerable to inflammation.

Symptoms of otitis externa include:

·         ear pain, which can be severe

·         itchiness in the ear canal

·         a discharge of liquid or pus from the ear

·         some degree of temporary hearing loss