Abstract
Answer A. Acute otitis externa
The history and image suggest an acute otitis externa. A cholesteotoma usually presents with discharge from the upper part of the tympanic membrane and a characteristic odour. Ear wax is often a golden colour occluding the ear canal. The tympanic membrane is not visible on this image and a co-existing otitis media cannot be excluded but is less likely.
InnovAiT article: Otitis externa. DOI: 10.1177/1755738018763227.