A normal ear canal is lined by a very thin layer of skin. However, when this normal layer of skin becomes infected, the skin becomes very swollen to the point that sometimes the ear canal will swell shut.
This external ear infection condition is medically known as acute otitis externa, often referred to as an outer ear infection or Swimmer’s ear. Although swimmers often get this condition, it can also occur in people who do not swim, usually triggered by overly aggressive itching of the ear canal.
This condition causes very severe ear pain as well as some hearing loss once the ear canal has swollen shut.
Treatment involves inserting an ear wick followed by antibiotic steroid ear drops.
You can purchase ear wicks on Amazon here:
For more info on outer ear infections:
Other related videos that may be of interest:
• 12 Home Remedies to Prevent or Treat Swimmer’s Ear:
• Middle ear infection without drainage:
• Middle ear infection with drainage:
• Clogged ear after an ear infection resolves:
Check out our online store for other ear related products:
Free, fast, simple, and accurate online hearing test:
Video created by Dr. Christopher Chang:
Still haven’t subscribed to Fauquier ENT on YouTube? ►►
#earinfection #swimmersear #acuteotitisexterna #aoe
source
