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What may increase your risk for problems in the ear canal?

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

Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Last Updated	February 13, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: February 13, 2008

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.