H60: Otitis externa

H60.3: Other infective otitis externa

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 auditory canal has become inflamed. There can be different reasons for this. Pathogens can sometimes enter through a small injury to the skin in the auditory canal. The outer ear can also become inflamed due to frequent washing or frequent inflammations of the middle ear. A purulent fluid can then flow from the ear. Your auditory canal may also be inflamed due to a flu illness. Blood blisters can then sometimes form in the auditory canal.