Bacteria are the most common cause of otitis externa, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequently isolated organisms.

Swimming in contaminated water, using cotton swabs to clean the ears, and having a history of eczema or psoriasis are all risk factors for developing otitis externa.

Ear pain, swelling and redness of the ear canal, discharge from the ear, and hearing loss are all symptoms of otitis externa.

Otitis externa is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination of the ear. In some cases, a culture of the ear discharge may be performed to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment for otitis externa typically includes antibiotics, ear drops, and pain relievers.

Complications of otitis externa can include spread of infection to the middle ear or mastoid bone, permanent hearing loss, and facial paralysis.

Otitis externa can be prevented by avoiding swimming in contaminated water, not using cotton swabs to clean the ears, and keeping the ears dry.

Most cases of otitis externa resolve with treatment. However, some cases may lead to complications, such as spread of infection to the middle ear or mastoid bone, permanent hearing loss, and facial paralysis.

Itching is not a symptom of otitis externa. Ear pain, swelling and redness of the ear canal, and discharge from the ear are all symptoms of otitis externa.

Having a history of diabetes is not a risk factor for developing otitis externa. Swimming in contaminated water, using cotton swabs to clean the ears, and having a history of eczema or psoriasis are all risk factors for developing otitis externa.

Surgery is not a treatment for otitis externa. Antibiotics, ear drops, and pain relievers are all treatments for otitis externa.

Tinnitus is not a complication of otitis externa. Spread of infection to the middle ear or mastoid bone, permanent hearing loss, and facial paralysis are all complications of otitis externa.

Using earplugs when swimming is not a way to prevent otitis externa. Avoiding swimming in contaminated water, not using cotton swabs to clean the ears, and keeping the ears dry are all ways to prevent otitis externa.

Fever is not a symptom of otitis externa. Ear pain, swelling and redness of the ear canal, and discharge from the ear are all symptoms of otitis externa.