Acute otitis externa is usually caused by a bacterial infection, but it can also be due to a fungal or viral infection. Acute otitis externa usually lasts no more than three weeks. It is most common in children aged 7-12 years. Chronic otitis externa is when otitis externa is present for many months. Chronic otitis externa is usually caused by a fungal infection, an allergy, or damage to the thin layer of skin inside the ear. Malignant otitis externa is a severe infection in the ear canal, which runs from the outer to the middle ear. It mainly affects the elderly, people with diabetes, and people with an impaired immune system. If left untreated, malignant otitis externa can be life-threatening. ::: body-ad-mobile zones:: 232632,232416,227366,232642 types:: 5 disclaimer:: ADVERTISEMENT typeFilter:: display adCount:: 1 :::