Ear Problems And Injuries, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Has your child had an injury to the ear?

See significance of injury to the ear if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child developed sudden, complete hearing loss?

Yes

Does your child have severe pain?

Yes

Does your child seem to act dizzy or has a loss of balance?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child seem to have some hearing loss?

Yes

Does your child have drainage or bleeding from the ear?

Yes

Does your child have mild to moderate pain?

Yes

Does your child seem to have mild dizziness?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has your child had gradual and persistent symptoms for longer than 24 hours?

Yes

Have your child's mild symptoms continued with no improvement for longer than 1 week?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 13, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer