For regularly updated information on a variety of health topics, please visit familydoctor.org , the AAFP patient education Web site. An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP . OE is different from the kind of infection you get in the middle part of your ear. The kind that you get in the middle of your ear is called otitis media. If you swim or shower a lot, too much water can get into your ears.
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.