Emergency
Safety guide

Emergency: Hearing, Tinnitus, and Balance Safety Guide

This page helps you choose the right level of care for sudden hearing changes, tinnitus (ringing or “whooshing”), and severe dizziness/vertigo. It does not diagnose you.

If you think you are having a life-threatening emergency, call your local emergency number now. In the U.S., call 911.

What to do right now

Step 1: Check for danger signs

If any danger sign is present, do not wait for a clinic appointment.

Call 911 or go to the ER now if you have hearing/tinnitus/dizziness symptoms plus any of these:

  • Facial weakness or facial numbness (new)
  • New weakness or numbness on one side of the body
  • Trouble speaking, understanding, or new confusion
  • Severe headache that is new or “worst headache,” especially with neurologic symptoms
  • Fainting, seizure, or you cannot stay awake
  • Severe vertigo/dizziness and you cannot walk safely
  • Major head injury or symptoms after trauma (especially blood/fluid from the ear)
Call 911 (U.S.) Not sure? Use Care Navigator

Step 2: If no danger signs, decide “today vs soon”

Urgent evaluation today (same day) is recommended for:

  • Sudden hearing loss (one ear or both) that starts over hours to 3 days
  • A sudden “muffled” ear with new tinnitus or ear fullness
  • Severe vertigo/dizziness with new hearing change (even without neurologic symptoms)
  • Hearing change after a very loud noise or blast

If you cannot reach a clinic quickly, urgent care or the ER can still be appropriate—especially for sudden hearing loss.

Get checked soon (within days) for:

  • Pulsatile tinnitus (a whooshing or thumping that matches your heartbeat), especially if new
  • New one-sided tinnitus or one ear clearly worse (even without sudden hearing loss)
  • Dizziness/imbalance that is persistent or worsening (but no danger signs)

Pulsatile tinnitus is often not dangerous, but it can sometimes be a sign of a condition that needs medical evaluation.

What to say when you call

Try this script:

“I have a [sudden hearing drop / new pulsatile tinnitus / severe vertigo] that started on [date/time]. I also have [ringing / one-sided symptoms / ear fullness / nausea]. I need advice on the right level of care and whether I should be seen today.”

Step 3: Use EARS tools to plan your next move

Care Navigator Tinnitus & Hearing Survey
Already stable/chronic? Go to the tinnitus roadmap section: When to get checked.

References

  • AAO-HNSF. Clinical Practice Guideline: Sudden Hearing Loss (Update). Read
  • NIDCD. Sudden Deafness (Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss). Read
  • CDC. Signs and Symptoms of Stroke. Read
Next best EARS links: Tinnitus: When to get checked Care Navigator Tinnitus & Hearing Survey

Suggested Next Steps

Prepare for Your Appointment

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Use Hearing Coach →

Explore Hearing Devices

Compare OTC devices, prescription hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive technology.

Explore Devices →

Urgent Symptoms?

Sudden hearing loss in 72 hours, severe dizziness, or ear pain requires prompt medical evaluation.

Emergency Guide →

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Medical Disclaimer: This resource is developed by UCSF Audiology for educational and informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical medical advice, formal diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Always consult a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist (ENT physician), or primary care doctor regarding hearing health decisions. If you experience sudden hearing loss (within 24–72 hours), severe acute vertigo, or ear trauma, seek immediate medical evaluation at an emergency department or urgent care clinic.