What symptoms indicate the need for a medical evaluation?

When to See a Physician or ENT for Ear Problems

While many hearing concerns can be evaluated with a comprehensive hearing test, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention from an ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat specialist) or your primary care physician.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, please seek medical care right away:

• Pain or aching in the ear

• Bleeding or drainage from the ear

• Head trauma or injury

• Sudden hearing loss

• Balance problems or dizziness (vertigo)

• Fluctuating or rapidly changing hearing loss

• Persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

These symptoms may indicate a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment by a physician before any hearing testing or hearing aid fitting is considered.

Seek medical attention if you have any of these symptoms!