The goal of this observational study is to explore the risk factors of fungal otitis externa in the fungal otitis externa patients The main question it aims to answer is:

What behaviors lead to the occurrence of fungal otitis externa? Participants will complete a detailed questionnaire survey. If there is a comparison group: Researchers will compare the healthy group and the disease group to see if there are any differences.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Symptoms in the case group include tinnitus, ear fullness or blockage, itching, ear pain, discharge, and hearing loss. Physical examination reveals the presence of hyphae, scabs, secretions, masses, pus, red skin, erosion, swelling, or granulation in the ear canal. Laboratory fungal cultures must be positive. The control group does not have the aforementioned ear symptoms and has not sought medical attention for ear-related symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with otitis media, tympanic membrane perforation, or post-radiotherapy.

Our institution is a tertiary first-class comprehensive hospital. Both the disease group and the control group are seen and screened at our facility

The data will be available within six months after the completion of the study and will remain accessible for at least ten years.

The data will be open to peer-reviewed researchers. Researchers requesting access to the data must submit a research proposal and pass our review process. All data requestors must also adhere to a data use agreement.