Although not very common, otitis externa complications can be very serious. Narrowing of the ear canal might occur, which is caused by thick, dry skin building up in the canal, thus blocking it and potentially causing impaired hearing. Another possible complication involves the eardrum becoming inflamed or perforated. This happens in cases where the infection spreads to the eardrum, causing pus to build up inside the inner ear. If this condition does not heal on its own, surgery might be required. Perhaps the most serious, but rare complication is one by the name of ‘necrotizing otitis externa’. It occurs when the infection spreads to the bone that surrounds the ear canal and without treatment, this condition can become fatal.