Open 24/7 · Walk-Ins Welcome · Montrose, Houston
Ear Pain & Infection Emergency Room in Montrose, Houston
Ear pain can be intensely uncomfortable, especially in children, and may signal an infection that needs treatment. Montrose Emergency Room provides 24/7 evaluation for ear pain and infections. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is required.
Severe ear pain with fever or drainage? Montrose Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Open 24/7
Walk-Ins Welcome
No Appointment Required
Emergency Evaluation
On-Site Diagnostic Testing
When to seek emergency care
When Should You Go to the ER for Ear Pain?
Many ear infections can be treated with outpatient care. However, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious infection or complication.
Consider emergency evaluation if you have:
Severe ear pain
High fever along with ear pain
Swelling, redness, or tenderness behind the ear
Drainage or fluid coming from the ear
Sudden hearing loss
Ear pain after a head injury
Dizziness or loss of balance with ear symptoms
An object stuck in the ear
Ear pain in an infant who is inconsolable
Symptoms not improving after a few days
Facial weakness alongside ear symptoms
Persistent ringing with severe pain
Bleeding from the ear
Ear pain with stiff neck or confusion
Any ear symptom you are unsure how to manage
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.
For severe ear pain with fever or drainage, Montrose Emergency Room is open 24/7 with emergency physician evaluation.
Understanding the condition
Ear Pain Can Have Several Causes
People often search: Is my child’s ear infection serious? Why does my ear hurt when I swallow? Should I go to the ER for an earache?
Ear pain can originate from the outer, middle, or inner ear, or even from nearby structures like the jaw or throat.
Children are especially prone to ear infections due to the anatomy of their ear canals, and symptoms can sometimes progress quickly.
Common causes of ear pain can include:
Middle ear infections (otitis media)
Outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear)
Sinus infections or congestion
Foreign objects or earwax buildup
Jaw joint (TMJ) issues
Dental problems radiating to the ear
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Barotrauma (pressure changes)
Throat infections
Referred pain from other areas
Ear canal irritation
Allergies affecting the ears
Eardrum perforation
Wax impaction
Other underlying ear conditions
What part of the ear?
What Type of Ear Symptom Do You Have?
Middle Ear Infection
Middle ear infections are common in children and can cause pain, fever, and fluid behind the eardrum.
Seek evaluation for severe pain, high fever, or symptoms not improving after a few days.
Outer Ear Infection
Outer ear infections often cause pain when touching or moving the ear, especially after swimming.
Seek evaluation for significant swelling, drainage, or pain that worsens.
Inner Ear or Balance Symptoms
Dizziness, loss of balance, or hearing changes can indicate an inner ear problem.
It is particularly important not to ignore sudden hearing loss or significant balance problems.
What to expect
What Happens When You Go to the ER for Ear Pain?
A common question is: “Will I need antibiotics?” Your evaluation typically starts with a look at your symptoms and an ear examination.
1
Symptom Review
A discussion of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them.
2
Ear Examination
The physician examines the ear canal and eardrum.
3
Diagnosis
The type and likely cause of your symptoms is determined.
4
Treatment & Follow-Up
Care may include ear drops, antibiotics, or pain relief.
The emergency physician may ask:
When did the pain start?
Is one ear or both ears affected?
Do you have drainage from the ear?
Do you have a fever?
Have you had recent swimming or water exposure?
Do you have hearing changes?
Have you had ear infections before?
Is there anything stuck in the ear?
Do you have dizziness or balance issues?
Have you had a recent cold or sinus infection?
Is the pain worse with chewing?
Have you tried any pain medication?
On-site ear evaluation
Ear Examination and Treatment
Depending on your symptoms, the physician may determine that treatment or additional evaluation is appropriate. Montrose Emergency Room offers on-site services that may include:
Ear Examination
A focused examination of the ear canal and eardrum.
Ear Drops or Antibiotics
Provided when appropriate for the type of infection.
Pain Management
Treatment options to help manage ear pain.
Foreign Object Removal
Evaluation and removal when an object is present in the ear.
Laboratory Testing
May be used in select cases to help identify the cause.
Physician Evaluation
A thorough history and physical examination.
Not every case needs every service. Care is tailored to your symptoms and examination findings.
Common concerns
Can the ER Check for a Serious Ear Infection or Complication?
Possible Serious Ear Infection
Emergency physicians can evaluate symptoms that may indicate a more serious ear infection. Common signs can include:
Severe pain
High fever
Swelling behind the ear
Redness spreading beyond the ear
Drainage
Hearing loss
Facial weakness
A serious infection cannot be ruled out based only on symptoms. Examination may be necessary.
Possible Eardrum Perforation
A ruptured eardrum can cause pain, drainage, and hearing changes. Signs may include:
Sudden ear pain followed by relief
Drainage of fluid or blood
Hearing loss
Ringing in the ear
Dizziness
A recent injury or pressure change
Emergency evaluation can help determine whether the eardrum has been affected.
Foreign Object in the Ear
A foreign object in the ear canal can cause pain, hearing changes, or discomfort.
Evaluation and removal by a physician is safer than attempting removal at home.
Do not attempt to remove an object yourself if it is difficult to reach or causing pain.
Warning signs
Ear Pain With Drainage, Swelling or Hearing Loss
Ear Pain With Drainage
Fluid or blood draining from the ear can indicate an eardrum issue or serious infection.
Seek medical attention for any drainage from the ear, especially with pain or fever.
Ear Pain With Swelling
Swelling or tenderness behind the ear can indicate a more serious infection spreading.
Seek emergency evaluation for swelling, redness, or tenderness behind the ear.
Ear Pain With Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss with ear pain needs prompt evaluation.
Signs to watch for include sudden hearing changes, ringing, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Know where to go
ER or Urgent Care for Ear Pain?
Patients often ask: “Should I go to urgent care or the ER for an earache?” Mild symptoms may be appropriate for urgent care. An emergency room is generally better equipped for severe pain, high fever, or complications.
Condition / Need
Montrose ER
Urgent Care
Severe ear pain with high fever
–
Swelling behind the ear
–
Sudden hearing loss
–
Dizziness or balance problems
–
An object stuck in the ear
–
Mild ear discomfort without fever
Not sure where to go?
If symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911. Consider emergency evaluation for severe ear pain, high fever, or drainage.
General guidance only. Every situation is different, and the right level of care depends on your symptoms.
ER vs Urgent Care GuideWhy Montrose Emergency Room
Why Choose Montrose Emergency Room for Ear Pain?
Ear pain, especially in children, deserves prompt attention. Montrose Emergency Room provides emergency evaluation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Open 24/7
Nights, weekends, and holidays included.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Come in whenever symptoms start.
No Appointment Required
No scheduling needed for emergency evaluation.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Assessment by emergency physicians.
Ear Examination
A focused examination of the ear canal and eardrum.
Antibiotic & Pain Treatment
Provided when appropriate for the infection.
Foreign Object Removal
Safe removal by a physician when needed.
On-Site Laboratory Testing
Blood work without leaving the facility.
Emergency Treatment
Care for ear conditions requiring prompt attention.
Care for Adults and Children
Emergency care for patients of all ages.
If a patient’s condition requires specialty ENT care or another level of treatment, the medical team can determine the appropriate next step.
Patient reviews
What Our Patients Say
“
I had a great experience at the Montrose urgent care today. The registration tech, Gabrella, was very friendly and made the check-in process quick and easy. RN Wasef was kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable throughout the visit. Dr. Maewal took the time to listen and provided excellent care, and Pablo in radiology was also very helpful and welcoming. The whole staff was efficient, caring, and I was checked out quickly without feeling rushed. Definitely appreciate the great service from everyone today!
Donald Chanthapathet
Google Review
“
I really recommend this place, as soon as I walked in I asked the front desk Gaby came automatically came to me banned and grabbed a wheel chair and she went out and she helped my son get in the chair and took him inside........ Subi help too. Nurse Waset was awesome, Pablo the radiology tech was helpful, Dr. Ambe was really nice too. I really appreciate her attention by taking my son in. Gaby definitely went an extra mile of customer service and client care.
Jenn Hoggs
Google Review
“
Excellent service. Very clean facility.. proffesional staff.Gaby and Cindy at the front desk very helpful and efficient. Wasef very helpful knowledgeable and very kind. Pablo very helpful and kind. I always go to this Er. I highly recommend Montrose ER for all kinds of Emergencies in Montrose. Really I appreciate the service I got.
Wasef Bisher
Google Review
Serving central Houston
Ear Pain ER in Montrose and Central Houston
Montrose Emergency Room provides convenient access to emergency ear evaluation for patients throughout Montrose and central Houston. The facility also serves patients coming from nearby communities including:
Midtown
River Oaks
Upper Kirby
Museum District
Downtown Houston
Neartown
Surrounding central Houston neighborhoods
Patients searching for an ear pain ER in Montrose, an emergency room for ear infections in Houston, or a 24-hour emergency room in central Houston can visit without a scheduled appointment.
Visit Montrose Emergency Room
1110 W Gray St #101
Houston, TX 77019 (Montrose)
Open 24/7 — 365 Days a Year
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Ear Pain
Is my child’s ear infection serious?
Most ear infections are treatable, but high fever, severe pain, or swelling behind the ear warrant prompt evaluation.
Why does my ear hurt when I swallow?
Ear pain with swallowing can be related to congestion, throat irritation, or pressure changes in the middle ear.
Should I go to the ER for an earache?
Emergency evaluation may be appropriate for severe pain, high fever, swelling, drainage, or sudden hearing loss.
Can the ER prescribe antibiotics for an ear infection?
Yes, when appropriate based on the evaluation.
Can the ER remove something stuck in a child’s ear?
Yes. Emergency physicians can safely evaluate and remove foreign objects from the ear.
Is sudden hearing loss an emergency?
Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated promptly, as early evaluation can be important for certain causes.
Do I need an appointment for ear pain?
No appointment is required for emergency evaluation at Montrose Emergency Room.
Is Montrose Emergency Room open at night?
Yes. Montrose Emergency Room operates 24 hours a day, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Severe Ear Pain or Infection? Get Evaluated 24/7
Don’t let ear pain go untreated. Montrose Emergency Room is available 24/7 for ear pain, infections, and related symptoms. Walk-ins are welcome. No appointment is required.
Montrose Emergency Room · 1110 W. Gray St., Suite 101 · Houston, TX 77019 · (832) 487-0911
If your symptoms appear life-threatening, call 911 immediately.