What is otitis externa?
A person with otitis externa has inflammation of the ear canal, usually due to an infection. Bacteria and fungi are the most common causes for the infection.

What are the symptoms of otitis externa?
Symptoms of otitis externa include loss of hearing, ear pain, ear discharge, fever, and ear itching. The ear canal may appear red and swollen, and there may be swollen lymph glands in the neck or behind the ear.

How does the doctor treat otitis externa?
Treatment for otitis externa includes ear wax removal, ear canal irrigation, antibiotic ear drops, oral antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain, and narcotic pain medication.