To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• Have you done anything recently that may have caused your ear canal to become infected, such as cleaning your ears or swimming?
• Have you had a history of ear itching, pain, or other symptoms? Describe your symptom:
  • When did it start?
  • Do you have problems with the inside or the outside of your ear?
  • Are your symptoms constant, or do they come and go?
  • Does anything make your ear feel better or worse?
• Did you put anything into your ear before the problem started?
• Do you have drainage from the ear? What does the drainage look and smell like?
• Have you had a fever?
• Are you dizzy or do you feel unsteady?
• Have you had problems like this before? If so, how was it treated?
• What home treatment measures have you used? Did they help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicine have you tried? Did they help?
• Do you have any health risks?