Ear infections (Otitis externa) are much more common during the
Wet Season and Build-up. Ears are a little like gardens which
normally have a carefully cultivated and controlled population
of bacteria and yeasts. But like a garden, the high humidity may
cause abundant growth which can sometimes become unruly and out
of control. Normal ear canals house many different types of
bacteria and yeasts (fungi) and it is possible for any of these
to grow out of control. This makes each individual ear infection
quite variable, which can sometimes mean a challenging search
for the most effective treatment. Ear infections may require
laboratory tests to determine the bug or bugs causing the
problem. Early treatment is the most successful. Once an ear
infection has become well established it can be very difficult
to get rid of. It is like a garden that has had lots of weeds
gone to seed in it and ongoing intensive treatment may be
necessary. Hairy ear canals and floppy ear flaps can trap wax,
dirt and humid air in the ear