Do you have ringing in your ears?
This is called tinnitus.
How old are you?
3 years or younger
3 years or younger
4 to 11 years
4 to 11 years
12 years or older
12 years or older
Did the symptoms start after a head injury?
Yes
Symptoms began after a head injury
No
Symptoms began after a head injury
Do you think you may have an ear infection?
Pain and discharge from the ear are the usual symptoms of infection.
Yes
Possible ear infection
No
Possible ear infection
Have you had an injury to your ear in the past week?
The ear can be injured by a direct hit, a very loud noise (like a gunshot or firecracker), or an object being pushed into the ear.
Do you have a severe earache?
Is the problem getting worse?
Yes
Tinnitus is getting worse
No
Tinnitus is getting worse
Do you have any new hearing loss?
Is the ringing in your ears a new symptom?
Are you nauseated or vomiting?
Nauseated means you feel sick to your stomach, like you are going to vomit.
Did it start suddenly?
Yes
Tinnitus began suddenly
No
Tinnitus began suddenly
Is the ringing only in one ear?
Yes
Tinnitus is in only one ear
No
Tinnitus is in only one ear
Do you think that a
medicine may be causing the ringing in your ears?
Think about whether the symptoms started after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine.
Yes
Medicine may be causing symptoms
No
Medicine may be causing symptoms
Have you had any ear symptoms for more than a week?
Yes
Ear symptoms for more than 1 week
No
Ear symptoms for more than 1 week
Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind
of care you may need. These include:
-
Your age. Babies and older
adults tend to get sicker quicker.
-
Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart
disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care
sooner.
-
Medicines you take. Certain
medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements can cause symptoms or make them
worse.
-
Recent health events, such as surgery
or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them
more serious.
-
Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug
use, sexual history, and travel.
Try Home Treatment
You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be
able to take care of this problem at home.
- Try home treatment to relieve the
symptoms.
- Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any
concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect).
You may need care sooner.
Many prescription and nonprescription medicines can cause
ringing in the ears (tinnitus). A few examples are:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin), and
naproxen (such as Aleve).
- Some blood pressure and heart
medicines.
- Some antidepressants.
- Some cancer
medicines.
Vertigo is the feeling that you or
your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It may feel like
spinning, whirling, or tilting. Vertigo may make you sick to your stomach, and
you may have trouble standing, walking, or keeping your balance.
Seek Care Today
Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The
problem probably will not get better without medical care.
- Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms
and arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't
have one, seek care today.
- If it is evening, watch the symptoms and
seek care in the morning.
- If the symptoms get worse, seek care
sooner.
Seek Care Now
Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.
- Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and
arrange for care.
- If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have
one, seek care in the next hour.
- You do not need to call an
ambulance unless:
- You cannot travel safely either by driving
yourself or by having someone else drive you.
- You are in an area
where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.
Make an Appointment
Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical
care.
- Make an appointment to see your doctor in the
next 1 to 2 weeks.
- If appropriate, try home treatment while you
are waiting for the appointment.
- If symptoms get worse or you have
any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.
Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 11 and Younger
Head Injury, Age 3 and Younger
Ear Problems and Injuries, Age 12 and Older
Head Injury, Age 4 and Older