An ear canal infection, also known as external otitis or swimmer’s ear, is an infection of the ear canal, which is the tube that connects the outside of the ear to the eardrum. There are two main types of ear canal infections: acute and chronic. Acute ear canal infections are more common and usually clear up quickly, while chronic ear canal infections can last for a longer period of time.

Causes of ear canal infections include water that stays in the ear after swimming, which can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria or fungus, and injury to the ear canal, such as from using cotton swabs or ear plugs. Symptoms can include ear pain, itching, redness, and swelling of the ear canal, and sometimes drainage from the ear.