Why is my ear canal red and swollen?

A red, swollen ear canal is usually a sign of otitis externa. €People will often experience pain in and around the ear,€ says Louise Hart.

€Their hearing may also be affected, either because the canal is swollen or it is filled with debris/pus. The area can also feel quite hot. Otitis externa needs to be treated by a GP or ENT specialist and can't be treated by OTC products. Some cases may take a long time to resolve and may need a swab to see which bacteria have caused the infection, so that the right treatment or drops can be given.€