Ear Problems And Injuries, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Have you had an injury to your 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 health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had sudden, complete hearing loss?

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Yes

Do you have severe dizziness that makes it hard to stand or walk?

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

Yes

Do you have some hearing loss?

Yes

Do you have drainage or bleeding from the ear?

Yes

Do you have mild to moderate pain?

Yes

Do you have mild dizziness?

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

Yes

Have you had symptoms for longer than 24 hours that have slowly gotten worse?

Yes

Have you had mild symptoms for longer than 1 week that have not gotten better?

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:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer