Crossword Genius

Twitch ring around about the ear (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

otic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'about the ear' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'twitch ring' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'twitch' could be 'tic' (tic is a kind of twitch) and 'tic' is present in the answer.
'ring' could be 'o' (letter resembling a ring) and 'o' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'around' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for otic that I've seen before include "of concern to the listener" , "about hearing" , "organ" , "Listener's" , "of lugs" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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