What common condition does "swimmer's ear" represent?

"Swimmer's ear" is a colloquial term for otitis externa, which is an inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal. This condition often occurs when water remains trapped in the ear canal, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. The primary symptoms typically include ear pain, itching, and sometimes drainage from the ear.

The condition is commonly associated with activities such as swimming, where excess moisture can lead to irritation or infection. Unlike acute otitis media, which affects the middle ear and is more common in children, otitis externa specifically involves the external auditory canal. Other options like tympanic membrane perforation relate to damage to the eardrum, and chronic sinusitis involves the sinuses rather than the ear, making them not relevant in this context. Thus, otitis externa is accurately characterized by the symptoms and causes associated with swimmer's ear.