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