What may increase your risk for problems from earwax?

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