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

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When to See a Doctor

Do you think you have an ear infection or other problems from an ear infection?

See significance of an ear infection or other problems from an ear infection 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

Do you have severe ear pain?

Yes

Do you have ear pain with other symptoms of a serious illness?

Yes

Do you have a fever of or higher?

Yes

Do you think you have a high fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Yes

Do you have ear pain and vertigo?

Yes

Have you developed ear pain and a sudden hearing loss?

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

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

Yes

Do you have moderate but increasing ear pain?

Yes

Do you have moderate ear pain and a fever?

Yes

Have you had a fever for longer than 48 hours, despite taking antibiotics?

Yes

Do you have moderate ear pain (like pain you have had with other ear infections)?

Yes

Have you had moderate ear pain for 12 hours or longer?

Yes

Do you have redness, swelling, or pain around or behind your ear?

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

Yes

Have you had mild ear pain and a fever 48 hours or longer?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had ear pain for 2 weeks or longer?

Yes

Do you have itching of the ear or ear canal?

Yes

Do you have a feeling of fullness in the ear?

Yes

Has your hearing slowly gotten worse?

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