Which condition involves inflammation of the external ear canal that can lead to hearing loss?

The condition that involves inflammation of the external ear canal is otitis externa. This condition, often referred to as "swimmer's ear," occurs when the skin of the ear canal becomes inflamed, usually due to infection, allergies, or irritants. The inflammation can cause discomfort, itching, and in more severe cases, can lead to complications such as swelling and blockage of the ear canal, which may result in temporary hearing loss.

In contrast, otosclerosis primarily affects the stapes bone in the middle ear and leads to conductive hearing loss through abnormal bone growth. Tympanosclerosis is characterized by the thickening or scarring of the tympanic membrane (eardrum), which can also affect hearing but does not involve the external ear canal. Suppurative otitis media refers to an infection in the middle ear, generally associated with fluid buildup and pressure, but it is not related to the inflammation of the external ear canal. These distinctions highlight why otitis externa is the correct answer, as it directly involves the external ear canal and the inflammation therein.