Otitis externa

Otitis externa refers to inflammation of the external ear.

Epidemiology

It is quite a common condition and may affect up to 10% of people during their lifetime.

Pathology

It can present in several forms:

• acute otitis externa
• chronic otitis externa
• necrotizing otitis externa

Etiology

There are several known risk factors which include :

• swimming
• a humid environment
• narrow ear canals
• hearing-aid use
• mechanical trauma

It may be associated with several micro-organisms. The commonest include

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Staphylococcus aureus

Siehe auch:

• nekrotisierende Otitis externa

und weiter:

• Plattenepithelkarzinom des äußeren Gehörgangs