Pathologic conditions of the external ear and auditory canal.

Primary care physicians are influential in diagnosing and initiating treatment of most pathologic conditions in patients with a history of hearing loss, chronic ear infection, diabetes, immunosuppression, or otologic symptoms with excessive exposure to sunlight. Lesions of the external ear and the external auditory canal (external acoustic meatus) are significant and common. Patients with such a history should have a thorough basic examination, which can be done with simple tools. Symptoms of hearing loss, otalgia, otorrhea, tinnitus, aural fullness, vertigo, and facial weakness may warrant referral of the patient to an otolaryngologist. The crux of preventing worsening otologic sequelae is early detection and treatment.