It is an infection of the ear canal. OE is different from the kind of infection you get in the middle part of your ear. That kind of infection is called otitis media.
Water removes the protective ear wax.
Then it's easier for germs and fungus to grow. Cleaning your ears can remove the protective wax layer and lead to infection. If you injure the skin in the ear canal by putting your finger or some object in your ear, an infection can develop in the canal. Your ear might itch. It might hurt very badly.