The canal slopes downward, allowing water to drain out. The outer ear canal has natural defenses that prevent infection. Prompt treatment clears up most outer ear infections. What caused this and is there any way to prevent it from happening in the future?Īn outer ear infection, called external otitis or otitis externa, is most often caused by a bacterial infection that invades the layer of skin lining the ear canal.

My doctor said it's an outer ear infection. My ear has been itching for a few days and it hurts to put in my hearing aid.