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
