Otitis externa is more common and less dangerous than otitis media. However, it can cause discomfort with symptoms of itchy ears, ear pain, tinnitus or ear discharge... If otitis externa is not treated promptly, it can affect hearing. The main cause of otitis externa is due to the ear coming into contact with dirty water in swimming pools or ponds and some other causes.

Otitis externa is a common condition, especially in children and swimmers. Although it is not as dangerous as otitis media, if not treated promptly, it can affect the child's hearing later in life.