Which of the following is commonly referred to as swimmer's ear?

Swimmer's ear is commonly referred to as otitis externa, which is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal. This condition usually occurs when water remains trapped in the ear canal, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Symptoms often include itching in the ear canal, redness inside the ear, and discomfort, especially when pulling on the earlobe.

Otitis media, on the other hand, refers to an infection of the middle ear, which is a different anatomical area and typically involves other symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and sometimes drainage if there is a perforation in the eardrum. Hearing loss can occur with various ear conditions but is not specific to swimmer's ear. Pharyngitis is an inflammation of the throat and is unrelated to ear infections. Understanding the distinctions between these terms helps clarify the specific nature of otitis externa as it pertains to swimmer's ear.