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Medical condition

Otitis externa

Outer ear infection affects the ear canal and can cause pain worsened by touching/moving the ear, discharge, or muffled hearing.

Medical taxonomy

Symptoms, signs or clinical findings, not elsewhere classified

Taxonomy is used to organize content and does not represent a diagnosis.

Common causes

It can result from skin irritation or bacterial/fungal infection of the ear canal.

Risk factors

It can be associated with water exposure or irritation of the ear canal.

Red flags — seek urgent care

Severe pain, spreading swelling, fever, or immunocompromise needs prompt assessment.

Suggested next step

Avoid putting objects in the ear and seek review for persistent pain, discharge, or hearing change.

Symptoms linked to this condition

Ear canal painEar pain worse when touched or movedItchy ear canalEar painEar dischargeMuffled hearing

Sources & review

Last reviewed: 2026-09-20
NHSEar infections — NHSMayo ClinicSwimmer's ear - Symptoms & causes - Mayo ClinicSaudi Ministry of HealthMOH 937 — local consultation and care-navigation reference

✓ At least one verified Saudi source and one independent global source are linked.

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This page is general educational information, not a medical consultation. If symptoms are severe or worrying, contact a healthcare professional.

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