H60: Otitis externa

H60.0: Abscess of external ear

The ear consists of 3 sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The auricle and the auditory canal are part of the outer ear. The auricle and auditory canal route sound from outside towards the middle ear.

You have an inflammation in your auricle or your auditory canal. When the outer ear is inflamed, the ear may be itchy or sore. One’s hearing may also be worse than usual.

Your outer ear is inflamed because a pus-filled cavity has formed. This may because of one or more inflamed hair roots. At the site of the inflammation, the skin of the ear is usually swollen and sore.