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Otitis externa - chronic    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

External ear infection - chronic; Swimmer's ear - chronic; Chronic otitis externa; Malignant otitis externa

Definition:

A persistent or recurrent inflammation or infection of the external ear and ear canal.

Causes and Risks

Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is fairly common. It usually responds to treatment, but about 1% of cases may become chronic. It consists of inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal. There may be a history of exposure to water or of mechanical trauma to the ear from scratching or foreign objects in the ear. Swimming in polluted water is one way to contract swimmer's ear.

The presence of moisture predisposes the ear to infection from fungus or water-loving bacteria such as Pseudomonas. Chronic otitis externa may occur as a result of inadequate treatment, or may suggest the presence of disease in underlying bone, a complication described as malignant otitis externa.

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