As of Oct. 3, 2026, MyChart is now your new online health record at Children’s Minnesota. Learn more and activate your account now.
As of Oct. 3, 2026, MyChart is now your new online health record at Children’s Minnesota. Learn more and activate your account now.
Article Translations: (Spanish)
Say: ek-STUR-nul oh-TY-tus
Also called: otitis externa (say: oh-TY-tus ek-STUR-nuh)
Many kids have had an ear infection known as external otitis. It's often called swimmer's ear, but you don't have to be a swimmer to get it.
The ear has 3 parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. When the ear canal, which is part of the outer ear, gets infected, you have external otitis. It can make your ear hurt, especially when you touch it.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2026 KidsHealth ® All rights reserved. Images provided by iStock, Getty Images, Corbis, Veer, Science Photo Library, Science Source Images, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com
Managing your child’s health care is easier with MyChart, your secure online health record at Children’s Minnesota. Set up and activate your Children’s Minnesota MyChart account.
A day for our generous community to join together to ensure that even the tiniest hearts get the strongest possible start.
