The inner ear is the innermost part of the ear and is mainly responsible for sound detection and balance. Infections of the inner ear include viral illnesses that can cause issues with balance and hearing. Inner ear infections can happen if you catch a cold or have the flu.

Symptoms of Inner Ear Conditions

• Vertigo (a sensation that things around you are moving or spinning)
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Feeling of being unbalanced
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Reduced hearing

Because some of these symptoms may be caused by head injuries, if the ear pain is accompanied by a recent history of head trauma, seek urgent help right away from a nearby emergency room.

Middle Ear

The middle ear is a small part of the ear just inside the eardrum. Middle ear infections are more common in young children and usually show up as ear pain and fever.

Symptoms of Middle Ear Conditions

• Fever
• Earache (ranging from mild to severe)
• Babies with middle ear infections may cry and tug at their ears.
• A congested feeling in the ears. It may be accompanied by trouble hearing.
• Discharge from the ear

When Should I Go to the ER for an Ear Infection?

If the earache is caused by a virus, the infection usually improves on its own. However, because it is not immediately obvious what the type of infection may be, seek urgent care if you notice one or more of the following:

• Ongoing pain in the ear with or without fever.
• When pain does not get better after a few days or gets worse as time goes on.
• Inflammation behind or around the ear.
• Loss of hearing or difficulty hearing in one or both ears.
• Pus or discharge from an ear, especially if it’s thick, yellow, bloody, or foul-smelling.
• Ringing in the ear that is getting worse or hasn’t gotten better in the past few days.
• If there is an object stuck in the ear, common in young children.

Babies and Toddlers

Babies and toddlers are more susceptible to ear infections and we often need to look for near by emergency room for ear infection. Therefore, a lower threshold for taking them to see a doctor should be maintained. This is particularly true if ear pain is associated with a temperature. Babies under 6 months should be seen by a doctor immediately.

What is considered an Ear Emergency?

An ear emergency is any condition that causes severe pain, hearing loss, swelling, or discharge that does not improve with home remedies. Additionally, the following conditions should be treated as an emergency:

• A ruptured eardrum
• Severe dizziness or vertigo leading to falls
• Persistent fever above 102°F with ear pain
• Swelling or redness behind the ear, which could indicate mastoiditis

What Are the Symptoms of a Brain Infection from an Ear Infection?

In rare cases, untreated ear infections can lead to serious complications like a brain infection. Seek immediate emergency care if you experience:

• Severe headaches that do not improve
• Stiff neck and sensitivity to light
• Confusion or difficulty speaking
• Seizures
• Weakness or numbness in any part of the body

What Will the ER Do for a Clogged Ear?

If you visit the ER for a clogged ear, the doctor will:

• Assess your symptoms and perform an ear examination.
• Determine if the clog is due to infection, wax buildup, or an underlying medical condition.
• Provide ear irrigation or suction if necessary to remove excess earwax.
• Prescribe medication for infections or inflammation.

Treatment of Ear Infections

Depending on the cause and the patient’s age, treatment may involve eardrops, antibiotics, or over-the-counter pain relief. Many earaches tend to go away without treatment, but use the symptoms above as a guide to determine whether you should go to the emergency room.