The main difference between chronic and acute otitis is the duration and severity of the ear infection. Acute otitis, also known as otitis externa or outer ear infection, is a sudden onset infection that usually lasts for a short period of time, typically a few days to a couple of weeks. It can be caused by various factors, including bacteria, yeast, or foreign objects in the ear canal. Symptoms of acute otitis may include ear pain, redness or swelling of the ear canal, discharge or odor from the ear, and shaking or scratching of the head. Chronic otitis, on the other hand, is a long-lasting ear infection that lasts for several weeks or months and may recur despite treatment. It is often caused by underlying conditions such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, or ear anatomy abnormalities. Symptoms of chronic otitis may include recurrent ear infections, persistent inflammation or discharge from the ear, hearing loss, and damage to the ear canal or middle ear structures. In short, acute otitis is a sudden and short-lived ear infection, while chronic otitis is a long-lasting and recurring infection that may have more serious consequences if left untreated.