Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
This is usually a prompt outpatient or urgent-care issue rather than an emergency.
Seek emergency care after a major head injury, particularly if there is clear or bloody fluid from the ear, confusion, loss of consciousness, weakness, severe headache, repeated vomiting, or difficulty staying awake.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent same-day medical care for:
Sudden or severe hearing loss
Significant dizziness, spinning, vomiting, or trouble walking
Increasing pain, fever, or pus-like discharge
An object stuck in the ear
Symptoms following a loud explosion, diving injury, or forceful blow
Hearing or drainage that is not improving as expected
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a medical assessment if you think your eardrum may have ruptured, especially if you have ear discharge, bleeding, ongoing pain, or reduced hearing.
Follow-up is important if the ear continues to drain, the hearing remains reduced, or the hole has not closed.
These findings do not always mean there is permanent damage, but they may require a hearing test or specialist assessment.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ruptured eardrum. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.