Many conditions, lifestyle choices, medications, 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 health professional.

Conditions

• A history of a birth defect, surgery, or injury that altered the normal ear structure
• A history of compacted earwax
• A history of eczema or psoriasis involving the ear canal
• A history of a ruptured eardrum or prior ear surgery
• Ear tubes in place
• Previous surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy)
• Prior radiation therapy to the head or neck
• Significant hearing loss
• Use hearing aids

Lifestyle choices

• Alcohol abuse or withdrawal
• Drug abuse or withdrawal
• Swimming and other water sports

Medications

• Corticosteroid treatment
• Medications to prevent organ transplant rejection
• Medications used to treat cancer (chemotherapy)
• Radiation therapy

Diseases

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• HIV infection
• Sickle cell disease