Ear Canal Problems (Swimmer's Ear): Check Your Symptoms
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Check Your Symptoms
If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.
- Symptoms of an ear infection: Go to the topic Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older or Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger.
- Symptoms of earwax buildup: Go to the topic Earwax.
| Note: | If your child has ear tubes in place or you think that the eardrum is ruptured, call your doctor. Drainage can be the first sign of an infection. Do not insert anything, such as water, eardrops, or cotton swabs, into the ear unless your doctor tells you to. |
- Yes
-
Do you think you have an ear canal infection?
- Yes
-
Do you have hearing loss or dizziness?
Other Symptoms to Watch For
Do you have the following symptom?
- An object or insect in your ear: Go to the topic Objects in the Ear.
If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.
| Last updated: | February 13, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Reviewed By: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer |
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