1. Furunculosis is an infection of the hair follicle in the outer ear that causes pain spreading to the jaw or neck and swelling around the ear. 2. Otitis externa is a generalized infection of the external ear canal caused by irritants like dust or humidity. Symptoms include a painfully inflamed and weeping canal. 3. Wax in the ear can build up and cause hearing loss. It is normally extruded by chewing but may require gentle removal by curette or syringing if excessive.