24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
If ear pain comes with drainage, high fever, swelling, dizziness, or sudden hearing changes, it needs prompt medical attention.
Go to the ER right away if ear pain or an ear infection comes with:
Kids should be seen urgently for ear pain if they have:
Not every earache is an emergency
Many earaches improve within a few days, and some middle ear infections get better without antibiotics. But that does not mean severe or worsening symptoms should be brushed off. If the pain is intense, the child looks sick, or hearing, balance, or drainage is involved, it deserves medical evaluation.
Ear pain does not always mean “ear infection”
Ear pain can come from a middle ear infection, swimmer’s ear, pressure after a cold, earwax buildup, a perforated eardrum, or something stuck in the ear. In adults especially, ear pain can also be referred from the jaw, teeth, throat, or TMJ area. That is one reason severe ear pain should not be self-diagnosed.
When an ear infection may be more serious
Most ear infections stay localized. Some do not. Redness, swelling, or tenderness behind the ear can point to a more serious complication that needs urgent treatment. Ear pain with dizziness, vomiting, hearing loss, or severe worsening symptoms also should not be ignored.
ER or urgent care?
Choose the ER when ear pain is severe, rapidly worsening, or comes with high fever, drainage, swelling around the ear, major hearing changes, vomiting, dizziness, or injury.
Urgent care or primary care may be reasonable if the pain is mild, there is no drainage, no swelling, no high fever, and the person otherwise looks well. But for infants, severe pain, or symptoms that are escalating, it is safer to be evaluated sooner.
What Post Oak ER can do for severe ear pain
At Post Oak ER, we can quickly evaluate ear pain in both adults and children. Care may include an emergency exam, medication for pain and infection-related symptoms, IV treatment when needed, and on-site testing if the symptoms suggest a more serious infection, injury, or complication. If ear pain follows trauma or concerning neurologic symptoms, our on-site CT and X-ray capabilities can help speed evaluation.
What not to do while waiting
Do not put cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into the ear. Do not try to remove a foreign object yourself. Keep the ear dry. If over-the-counter pain relievers are safe for you or your child, they may help while you are getting medical care.
A simple rule to remember
If the pain is severe, the child looks sick, drainage is coming out of the ear, swelling is developing around the ear, or hearing and balance suddenly change, do not wait and see. Get evaluated.
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.