A 30-year-old male presents with ear pain, decreased hearing, and discharge from the right ear for the past week. He recently went swimming in a public pool. What could be the potential diagnosis and treatment plan?
This patient's symptoms suggest otitis externa, also known as swimmer's ear, an infection of the outer ear canal. It often occurs after swimming due to the moisture creating a favorable environment for bacteria. Treatment typically includes topical antibiotics and analgesics for pain relief. It's recommended to keep the ear dry during treatment.