Final answer:
Pain, when the pinna is pulled during an ear examination, is indicative of otitis externa, which is an infection and inflammation of the external ear canal often associated with frequent swimming or hot tub use.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a patient experiences pain when the pinna is pulled or touched, it could indicate the presence of an infection known as otitis externa. Commonly referred to as swimmer's ear, this condition is usually caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Otitis externa results in inflammation of the external ear canal, leading to itching, redness, and discomfort, which can escalate to fever, pain, and swelling. This type of inflamed ear situation is particularly prevalent among individuals who frequently use swimming pools and hot tubs.
The presence of other conditions, such as frostbite, keloids, or branchial remnants, would likely result in pain in situations other than touching the pinna during an ear examination. For instance, frostbite involves damage to the skin and tissues due to extreme cold, keloids are overgrown scars, and branchial remnants are congenital anomalies. These conditions are not typically associated with pain upon manipulation of the pinna. Hence, the answer in two words to the question posed is Otitis externa.