When to Seek Hearing Care
Understanding which symptoms need immediate attention and which can wait for a scheduled appointment
Life-Threatening Emergency?
If you're experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This includes sudden complete hearing loss, severe ear pain with high fever, or hearing loss after head trauma.
Call 911 NowThree Levels of Care
Not all hearing symptoms require emergency care. Use this guide to determine the appropriate level and timing of care for your symptoms.
Emergency Care: Go to ER Immediately
Call 911 or go to the emergency room right now if you experience:
- Sudden complete hearing loss in one or both ears
- Severe ear pain accompanied by high fever
- Facial paralysis or weakness with hearing loss
- Hearing loss following head injury or trauma
- Bleeding from the ear after injury
- Sudden hearing loss with severe dizziness or loss of balance
Urgent Care: Seek Attention Within 24-48 Hours
Contact your doctor or urgent care clinic if you have:
- Sudden partial hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Severe ear pain without fever
- Loud ringing in ears after noise exposure that doesn't improve
- Hearing loss with mild dizziness or unsteadiness
- Fluid or discharge from the ear with discomfort
- Ear fullness or pressure that persists for several days
Routine Care: Schedule an Appointment
Make a regular appointment with an audiologist or ENT for:
- Gradual hearing loss over weeks or months
- Difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments
- Mild, persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Concerns about hearing aid adjustment or performance
- Routine hearing screenings or follow-up care
- Questions about hearing protection or prevention
Need to Get in Touch?
If you're unsure about the urgency of your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to these resources for guidance.