In a patient exhibiting symptoms after swimming, what aspect of external otitis might be observed?

In a case of external otitis, often known as swimmer's ear, pain during auricle manipulation is a hallmark symptom. This condition typically arises due to inflammation or infection of the external auditory canal, which makes the tissue surrounding the ear tender. When the auricle (the outer part of the ear) is manipulated, it can provoke significant pain localized to the area, which is a clear indicator of inflammation or infection.

The continuous discharge from the ear, hearing loss, and fever can be associated with external otitis, but they are not as classic or definitive as the pain response when manipulating the auricle. Discharge may occur, but it is not universal, and hearing loss is usually mild and not the primary complaint. Similarly, fever can suggest a more systemic illness rather than being a direct consequence of external otitis. Thus, the pain associated with auricle manipulation stands out as a key diagnostic feature of external otitis, emphasizing its significance in the evaluation of the patient's symptoms following swimming.