Anatomy of an Ear Infection Slideshow Pictures Medical Illustration of the Ear Image Collection Tinnitus (Ringing of the Ears) Slideshow Pictures

When to Seek Medical Care

Call your doctor and discuss your symptoms if any of the following occur.

• Your attack lasts for more than 3 hours.
  
  
• The symptoms during the attack become more severe.
  
  
• You pass out.
  
  
• You suffer hearing loss for more than 24 hours.
  
  
• The attack is different than your typical (previous) episodes or does not respond to home treatments including prescribed medications.

If your doctor is not available, or if the doctor recommends treatment and workup, you should go to the hospital's emergency department for further evaluation to rule out other potential causes of the symptoms or to try other treatment options.