Definition for malignant external otitis

There is a rare and serious form of external otitis called necrotizing external otitis, in which the bone of the skull surrounding the ear canal becomes infected. more

There is a rare and serious form of external otitis called necrotizing external otitis, in which the bone of the skull surrounding the ear canal becomes infected. Although the name of this condition contains the words "external otitis" it is a very different disease than the common swimmer's ear, it is a form of osteomyelitis . Instead of being a condition that most people are subject to, necrotizing external otitis (also called malignant otitis) is a life-threatening disorder that only affects individuals with severe diabetes and major disorders of the immune system. This rare complication of external otitis is discussed under Complications, below. less