Otitis externa is one of the most common problems faced by the otolaryngologist, and in some clinics constitutes up to 40% of patients. Although not lethal, it may be a most debilitating disease. The external ear is an epithelium-lined cul-de-sac with many sweat and cerumeniferous glands whose secretions are an excellent medium for bacterial growth. Bacterial surveys done in the USA and in Israel 30 years ago proved Staphylococcus aureus to be the major pathogen. During the years the major pathogen changed, and in recent surveys Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found to be the dominant pathogenic bacterium. The purpose of this article is to present the results of a bacteriological survey done in Israel on patients suffering from otitis externa in the years 1979-1980. A discussion is presented with regard to the meaning of the review. We tried to establish whether a certain factor could be considered to be the cause of otitis externa.