a condition in which the passage of the outer ear (= the part of the ear that can be seen on the side of the head) becomes swollen and painful: Otitis externa is common among swimmers and scuba divers. Probably the most common of the ear complaints in adults is otitis externa.

What is the meaning of otitis externa?

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.

What is the main cause of otitis externa?

The most common cause of otitis externa is a bacterial infection, although fungal overgrowth is a principal cause in 10 percent of cases. 4 Otitis externa can also result from any of a broad range of noninfectious dermatologic processes.