What may increase your risk for problems in the ear canal?
Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medicines, and diseases interfere with your ability to heal or fight infection. You may be at risk for a more serious problem from your symptoms if you have any of the following. Be sure to tell your doctor.
Conditions
- A history of a birth defect, surgery, chronic infection, or injury in or near the ear, mouth, or jaw
- A history of significant hearing loss
- Previous surgery of the ear or mastoid cavity
- Use of hearing aids, earplugs, or earphones that fit inside the ear
Lifestyle choices
- Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
- Drug abuse or withdrawal
- Frequent water contact, such as swimming, diving, or surfing
Medicines
- Corticosteroid treatment
- Medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Medicines used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
- Radiation therapy
Diseases
- Cancer
- Chronic skin conditions, such as:
- Allergies
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Diabetes
- Hemophilia
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Malnutrition
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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