External otitis is an acute infection of the ear canal skin typically caused by bacteria (Pseudomonas is most common). Symptoms include pain, discharge, and hearing loss if the ear canal has swollen shut; manipulation of the auricle causes pain.

Is an ear infection acute?

Ear infections can be chronic or acute. Acute ear infections are painful but short in duration. Chronic ear infections either don't clear up or recur many times. Chronic ear infections can cause permanent damage to the middle and inner ear.

Is otitis externa serious?

Nectrotizing otitis externa is a serious, but rare, complication of otitis externa, where the infection spreads to the bone that surrounds your ear canal. It usually affects adults more than children. Adults who have a weakened immune system are at a particularly increased risk of developing it.