The shape of the outer ear is important because it conducts sound impulses toward the eardrum. An auricle deformed at birth may be accompanied by an impairment in other parts of the ear as well, and result in a hearing loss. Atresia is congenital and occurs when both the outer ear and ear canal are absent.
Some people suffer from external otitis, an infection of the outer ear canal.
Otitis is the result of fungus or bacteria growth.