Black Growth Near Ear

Hello! My dog has been itching his right ear more frequently than normal. He does get a lot of earwax and has had multiple ear infections, but this is more so on the outside of his ear. It’s a black/purple spot and it had kind of a spongey texture. He did not seem to be in any pain when we touch it/add pressure to the spot. However, it’s clear that there’s a spot of fur removed in that area. Any ideas on what this could be? He has never had this before and it is not on the other ear.

Hello!  I am unclear from the photo whether this is an actual lump eg a mast cell tumour or more benign growth, or a superficial infection of the skin such as a yeast infection (these can happen secondarily to a scratch wound, for example, and can even be the result of an allergy).  Your vet may want to either trial-treat or biopsy if they are not sure either, so it is definitely worth presenting sooner rather than later.