Epidemiology
Acute otitis externa (AOE) has a lifetime incidence of up to 10%.[1][12] Each year in the US, AOE accounts for more than 500,000 visits to ambulatory care centers or emergency departments.[12] The condition is known to affect people of all age groups but was found to peak in the 7- to 12-year-old age group and to decline in incidence among subjects >50 years of age.[14] In one UK study, the 12-month prevalence of otitis externa was >1%, and it was more prevalent in women than in men up to the age of 65 years.[15] In the same study, the incidence of otitis externa increased toward the end of the summer, especially in the youngest age group (ages 5-19 years). It is common in warmer temperatures and high-humidity conditions and after swimming.
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