24/7 EAR PAIN & INFECTION CARE
Ear Pain & Ear Infection ER in Houston — 24/7 Evaluation
If you or your child has severe ear pain, fever, drainage, or sudden hearing loss, The Heights Emergency Room in Houston is open 24/7 for ear evaluation and treatment. A board-certified emergency physician examines the ear and checks for infection or other causes. Walk in anytime, no appointment needed.
Open 24/7 • Walk-Ins Welcome • No Appointment Required
WHAT WE OFFER
Emergency Ear Care for Adults and Children, Day or Night
Open 24/7, Even Holidays
Ear pain often strikes at night. We are open every hour of every day.
Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation.
Physician Evaluation
A board-certified emergency physician examines the ear and checks for fever and infection.
Care for Children
A dedicated pediatric room is available for children with ear pain.
Foreign Object Removal
Insects or small objects in the ear can be removed when appropriate.
Near Houston Heights
101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, on the North Loop.
Ear pain can come from the ear itself or from the jaw, throat, or teeth. A physician exam helps find the cause.
WHEN TO COME IN
When Is Ear Pain an Emergency?
Ear pain is an emergency when it comes with a high fever, severe pain, swelling or redness behind the ear, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or fluid draining from the ear. These signs can point to a more serious infection or injury that should be examined quickly. Babies with a fever who are pulling at an ear or are very fussy should also be seen promptly.
Most ear pain comes from an infection in the middle ear or the outer ear canal. Children are especially prone because their ear tubes are shorter and narrower, but adults can also develop infections, often after a cold, a sinus infection, or swimming.
Ear pain can also come from a blocked eustachian tube, earwax, a foreign object, a dental or jaw problem, or an injury. Because the cause is not always obvious, an exam is the most reliable way to find out.
Get emergency care for ear pain with:
- A high fever
- Severe or worsening pain
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness behind the ear
- Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
- Sudden hearing loss or ringing
- Dizziness, vertigo, or loss of balance
- An object or insect stuck in the ear
- Ear pain after a head injury or a blow to the ear
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Patients Say About The Heights Emergency Room
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 664 Google reviews (as of October 2026)
Patients frequently mention a welcoming atmosphere and a clean facility.
E
Erika M. on Google
★★★★★
My sister went into anaphylactic shock while at work and her airway started to close. When we walked in the receptionist took one look at her swelling and ushered us to a medical suite. … I am immensely grateful to the care staff here. Their professionalism and efficiency went a long way to keep my sister calm during the whole process.
K
Kendi on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at The Heights Emergency Room after a head injury. … Dr. Zahid was very thorough in his evaluation and took the time to explain everything clearly. … I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and would highly recommend The Heights Emergency Room!
A
Ahson W. on Google
★★★★★
Very good service. I brought my son here and they very quickly attended to him. … Abdullah took my son’s blood and Pablo administered the CT scan. … Dr. Khan explained the results thoroughly and professionally.
M
Michelle R. on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at this ER. The facility was very clean, and the staff was attentive, professional, and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure all of my needs were addressed. I felt well cared for throughout my visit.
S
Samantha M. on Google
★★★★★
The staff here are amazing!! I had an embarrassing and painful health issue. … This staff made me feel so comfortable and supported through the pain, I didn’t feel embarrassed. … I left feeling heard, educated, and 1000% better!
Need emergency care now?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. No appointment needed.
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences; care and outcomes vary.
Is Ear Pain Keeping You or Your Child Up?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24/7 for ear evaluation, with no appointment needed.
For confusion, a stiff neck, or a seizure, call 911.
On This Page
Ear Pain? We’re Open 24/7
Emergency evaluation is available day and night at The Heights Emergency Room.
What to Do While You Wait
Simple steps can ease discomfort.
Comfort measures
- Rest and keep the head slightly raised
- Apply a warm cloth to the outer ear for comfort
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label
- Keep water out of the ear until it is checked
- Don’t insert cotton swabs, fingers, or oils into the ear
- Bring a list of medications and any allergies
Don’t try to remove an object from the ear yourself, and don’t use ear drops if the eardrum may be torn or the ear is draining unless a physician advises it.
Adults vs Children
Symptoms can look different by age.
Children may tug at an ear, cry more than usual, have trouble sleeping, or run a fever. Adults often notice sharp or dull pain, a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or drainage. See our pediatric ER page for what to expect with children.
Ear pain in a baby or toddler with a fever deserves a prompt exam.
Middle Ear Infection
Often follows a cold.
A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum, where fluid and pressure build up. It can cause ear pain, fever, trouble hearing, and, in children, fussiness and poor sleep. It often follows a cold or other respiratory infection.
Many mild infections improve on their own, but a physician should examine severe pain, a high fever, or symptoms that last more than a couple of days.
Swimmer’s Ear (Outer Ear Infection)
Pain when the ear is touched or tugged.
Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the ear canal, often after water stays in the ear. It can cause itching, redness, swelling of the canal, drainage, and pain that gets worse when you pull on the earlobe.
Swelling can make the ear feel blocked, and severe cases cause pain that spreads to the face or neck. An exam can confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
WHEN IT’S MORE SERIOUS
Complications That Need Prompt Evaluation
Rarely, an ear infection can spread.
Swelling, redness, or pain behind the ear can be a sign that infection has spread to the bone behind the ear, called mastoiditis. A stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or a high fever with ear pain can point to a more serious infection.
A burst eardrum can cause sudden relief of pain followed by drainage. Hearing loss that comes on quickly, or dizziness with ear pain, also deserves a prompt exam. These problems are uncommon, but they should not wait.
YOUR ER VISIT
What Happens When You Visit the ER for Ear Pain?
The physician asks about your symptoms, checks your temperature and vital signs, and looks inside the ear.
Ear Exam & Vital Signs
The ear canal and eardrum are examined, and fever and other vital signs are checked.
Foreign Object Care
If an insect or object is stuck in the ear, the physician can remove it when appropriate.
Treatment & Instructions
A treatment plan, which may include prescribed medication, and home-care instructions are provided.
Patients who need hospital admission or specialist care are transferred, and our staff arranges ambulance transport.
What Causes Ear Pain?
Common causes include:
Colds & Sinus Infections
Congestion can trap fluid in the middle ear.
Water in the Ear
Swimming or bathing can lead to swimmer’s ear.
Jaw & Dental Problems
Pain can be referred to the ear.
Objects & Insects
Small objects or insects in the ear canal.
This list is general information, not a diagnosis. An exam is the best way to learn the cause.
QUICK ANSWERS
Ear Pain Questions, Answered
Should I go to the ER for an ear infection?
Go to the ER if ear pain comes with a high fever, swelling or redness behind the ear, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or drainage. Mild ear pain without these signs can often be seen by your doctor or urgent care, but nights and weekends can make that hard. We are open 24/7.
Can I treat ear pain at home until I can see a doctor?
You can use over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the label, apply a warm cloth to the outer ear, and keep water out of the ear. Don’t put cotton swabs, oils, or drops in the ear unless a physician advises it. If symptoms worsen or a fever develops, get an exam.
Does The Heights Emergency Room treat ear pain in children?
Yes. The Heights Emergency Room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, is open 24/7 and treats both adults and children, with a dedicated pediatric room. A board-certified emergency physician examines the ear, and no appointment is needed. For a child with confusion or a stiff neck, call 911.
What is the difference between a middle ear infection and swimmer’s ear?
A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum and often follows a cold, causing pain, fever, and muffled hearing. Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, often after water exposure, and causes pain that worsens when you touch or pull on the ear. An exam can tell them apart.
What should I do if something is stuck in my ear?
Don’t use cotton swabs, tweezers, or water to try to remove it, since that can push it deeper or damage the ear. Keep the person calm and still, and get it checked promptly. Our physicians can remove ear foreign objects when appropriate, 24 hours a day.
EMERGENCY SAFETY
When Should You Call 911 for Ear Pain?
Call 911 if ear pain comes with signs of a serious infection or injury.
Call 911 for:
- Confusion or trouble staying awake
- A stiff neck with fever
- A seizure
- Sudden facial drooping or weakness
- Bleeding or clear fluid after a head injury
- Severe headache with ear pain
- Trouble breathing
- A baby who is limp or very hard to wake
Paramedics can check vital signs, monitor breathing, and begin care on the way to the ER.
Don’t drive if you feel confused, very dizzy, or faint.
WHERE TO GO
ER vs Urgent Care for Ear Pain
A mild earache with no other symptoms can often be seen by your doctor or an urgent care center. Go to an ER when symptoms are severe or you can’t get timely care.
Call 911
- Confusion or a seizure
- A stiff neck with fever
- Sudden facial weakness
- A serious head injury
Go to the ER
- High fever with ear pain
- Swelling or redness behind the ear
- Sudden hearing loss or dizziness
- Drainage or an object stuck in the ear
Urgent Care or Your Doctor
- Mild earache without fever
- Itchy or mildly sore ear canal
- Follow-up after an ER visit
If you are unsure, choose the ER.
Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the ER.
24/7 Ear Pain Care in Houston
Ear pain can start at any hour. The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Emergency Physician Exam
Evaluation of the ear and symptoms.
Vital Signs & Temperature
To check for fever.
Foreign Object Removal
Insects or objects in the ear.
Lab Testing
When the physician advises it.
Pediatric Room
Dedicated space for children.
Treatment Plan
Medication and home care when appropriate.
Testing and treatment depend on your symptoms and the physician’s evaluation.
Ear Pain ER Near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is a freestanding emergency room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, along the North Loop (610). It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults and children with ear pain and ear infections and can be reached at (281) 560-4373.
The Heights Emergency Room
101 N Loop W #300
Houston, TX 77018
Houston, TX 77018
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are searching for:
- Ear infection ER near me
- Emergency room for ear pain Houston
- Child ear infection ER Houston
- Ear pain emergency room near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is open day and night for ear evaluation.
Serving Houston Heights and Nearby Neighborhoods
Patients with ear pain or ear infections come to us from across central and northwest Houston—including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Houston Heights, Timbergrove, Woodland Heights, Independence Heights, the Northside, Rice Military, the Washington Avenue corridor, First Ward, and Downtown. For severe symptoms or ear pain with a high fever, come to our North Loop location, a short drive from many of these neighborhoods.
ZIP 77018
Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights / Central Northwest
ZIP 77008
Houston Heights, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove
ZIP 77009
Heights East, Northside, and the Woodland Heights area
ZIP 77022
Independence Heights and Northline / Northside
ZIP 77007
Washington Avenue, Rice Military, the western and southern Heights, and First Ward
ZIP 77002
Downtown, northern Downtown, and nearby First Ward areas
Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
FAQ
Ear Pain ER — Frequently Asked Questions
Some mild ear infections improve without treatment, but others need medication. Because it is hard to know which is which without an exam, get checked if pain is severe, a fever develops, or symptoms last more than a couple of days.
Children may tug or rub an ear, cry more than usual, sleep poorly, have a fever, or seem to hear less. Some also have trouble with balance or drainage from the ear. A physician exam is the best way to confirm an infection.
Ear pain can come from the throat, jaw, or teeth, and swallowing or chewing may make it worse. Infections, jaw joint problems, and dental issues can all cause this. An exam helps find the source.
Drainage of pus or blood can mean an infection or a burst eardrum. It should be examined, especially with pain, fever, or hearing loss. If drainage follows a head injury or you have confusion, call 911.
Bring a photo ID, a list of current medications and allergies, and any information about when symptoms began. For a child, bring their medication list, details about recent illness, and a comfort item if it helps.
No. The Heights Emergency Room is a walk-in emergency room open 24/7. For confusion, a stiff neck, or a seizure, call 911.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Ear Pain That Won’t Wait? Come In Anytime.
Get an ear exam from an emergency physician, day or night, with no appointment needed.
For confusion, a stiff neck, or a seizure, call 911.
