Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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.
Note:
- Before you answer the questions below, rate the severity of your pain.
- Do not put anything (such as water, eardrops, or cotton swabs) into your ear unless your doctor tells you to.
- If you need information on how to take a temperature, see the topic Body Temperature.
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 104°F (40°C) 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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 13, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Donald R. Mintz, MD - Otolaryngology | |
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