Which ear infection is commonly known as "swimmer's ear"?

The correct answer is otitis externa, commonly referred to as "swimmer's ear." This condition is an inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, which can occur when water remains in the ear after swimming, creating a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, and swelling in the ear canal, along with possible discharge and pain, especially when pulling on the earlobe.

Understanding otitis externa is important for recognizing its association with water exposure and preventative measures for swimmers, such as drying the ears thoroughly after swimming. This helps differentiate otitis externa from other types of ear infections, such as acute otitis media, labyrinthitis, and chronic otitis media, which affect different portions of the ear and are not specifically linked to water exposure.