Same Day ENT Specialist Care for Ear Emergencies
Sudden hearing loss or severe ear pain can be alarming, disruptive, and in some cases, a sign of a serious underlying condition. If you experience either symptom, prompt evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist is essential to protect your hearing and relieve discomfort.
Dr. Gregory Levitin, a board certified otolaryngologist with more than two decades of clinical and surgical experience, provides same day urgent care in New York City for patients with sudden hearing changes and severe ear pain. His expertise, state of the art diagnostic tools, and direct, personalized approach to care ensure you get an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Why Sudden Hearing Loss Requires Immediate Attention
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is defined as a rapid loss of hearing, typically in one ear, that occurs over 72 hours or less. While it may sometimes be caused by earwax impaction or fluid buildup, SSHL can also signal viral infections, autoimmune disorders, inner ear injury, or other serious conditions that require urgent intervention.
Studies show that early treatment, often with oral or injected corticosteroids, can significantly improve the likelihood of regaining hearing. Delaying care can reduce the chances of full recovery. That is why Dr. Levitin prioritizes same day evaluation for any patient reporting sudden hearing changes.
Severe Ear Pain — More Than Just an Earache
Ear pain, also known as otalgia, can be caused by a wide range of issues, from middle ear infections and swimmer’s ear to TMJ disorders or referred pain from the throat or jaw. Severe ear pain should never be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by fever, drainage from the ear, dizziness, or hearing loss.
In children, ear pain is one of the most common reasons for urgent care visits. In adults, severe ear pain may indicate more complex infections or inflammatory conditions. Dr. Levitin’s ability to quickly distinguish between benign causes and more serious pathologies allows for targeted treatment and faster relief.
Why Choose Dr. Gregory Levitin for Urgent ENT Care?
Dr. Levitin’s credentials and experience set him apart from most urgent care providers:
- Board Certification: Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
- Specialized Training: Advanced expertise in ear disease diagnosis and treatment, both medical and surgical.
- Hospital Affiliations: Active attending physician at leading New York City hospitals, providing access to advanced imaging and surgical facilities if required.
- National Recognition: Invited lecturer at ENT conferences, contributor to peer reviewed medical journals, and featured in media outlets for innovations in ENT care.
- Two Decades of Experience: Treating both routine and complex ear conditions in adults and children with a focus on personalized, patient centered care.
- Cutting Edge Diagnostics: In office audiometry, tympanometry, and endoscopic examination to quickly pinpoint the cause of symptoms.
Common Causes of Sudden Hearing Loss and Severe Ear Pain
Dr. Levitin evaluates and treats a full range of urgent ear problems, including:
- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL): Rapid hearing loss, usually in one ear, often without pain but sometimes with tinnitus or dizziness.
- Acute Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear, common in children, causing pain, fever, and sometimes temporary hearing loss.
- Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear): Infection of the ear canal, often after water exposure, causing pain, swelling, and discharge.
- Earwax Impaction: Blockage that can cause sudden hearing changes, discomfort, and a sense of fullness in the ear.
- Traumatic Eardrum Perforation: A rupture of the eardrum due to injury, infection, or pressure changes.
- Barotrauma: Ear injury from rapid altitude or pressure changes, common in air travel or scuba diving.
- Referred Pain: Ear pain originating from dental problems, throat infections, or jaw disorders.
The Urgent Care Process for Ear Emergencies
When you come to Dr. Levitin for sudden hearing loss or severe ear pain, you can expect a thorough, efficient process designed to get you answers and relief quickly:
- History & Symptom Review: Dr. Levitin takes a detailed history to identify onset, associated symptoms, and risk factors.
- Physical Examination: A complete ear, nose, and throat exam using high resolution otoscopy and, when needed, an endoscope for deeper visualization.
- Hearing Tests: On site audiometry to measure hearing thresholds, and tympanometry to assess eardrum and middle ear function.
- Diagnosis & Discussion: Clear explanation of findings and the likely cause of your symptoms.
- Treatment Plan: Immediate medical therapy, minor office procedures if needed, and prescriptions to address infection, inflammation, or other causes.
- Follow Up: Scheduled re check or referral for advanced imaging or surgery if necessary.
Treatment Options
Treatment varies depending on the diagnosis but may include:
- Corticosteroids: For sudden sensorineural hearing loss to reduce inflammation and improve recovery chances.
- Antibiotics: For bacterial ear infections, tailored to the specific pathogen and patient’s medical history.
- Ear Cleaning: Safe removal of impacted earwax or foreign objects.
- Pain Relief: Targeted medication and topical treatments for rapid comfort.
- Protective Measures: Advice on keeping ears dry, avoiding further injury, and preventing recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sudden hearing loss always permanent?
Not always. Many patients regain some or all hearing, especially with early treatment.
How soon should I be seen for sudden hearing loss?
Ideally within 24 to 48 hours of onset for the best chance of recovery.
Can severe ear pain be an emergency?
Yes. Infections and injuries can progress quickly, and early treatment prevents complications.
Do you see children for ear emergencies?
Yes. Dr. Levitin regularly treats pediatric ear conditions and adjusts treatment to the child’s age and needs.
Preparing for Your Visit
Bring:
- A list of current medications and allergies
- Any recent hearing test results or imaging
- A clear timeline of your symptoms
- Information on recent illnesses, water exposure, or air travel
Expert ENT Urgent Care in the Heart of NYC
When sudden hearing loss or severe ear pain disrupts your life, you need immediate evaluation from a physician who has spent decades diagnosing and treating ear conditions. Dr. Gregory Levitin’s combination of board certification, advanced training, hospital access, and hands on patient care ensures you receive the highest level of urgent ENT treatment in New York City.
By choosing Dr. Levitin, you are not just getting a same day appointment, you are getting an expert who can make the right diagnosis, start the right treatment, and protect your hearing for the future. Whether your symptoms are due to infection, injury, or a more complex condition, Dr. Levitin offers the knowledge, skill, and compassion to help you recover quickly and confidently.
Do not wait when your hearing or comfort is at stake, contact us today to arrange same day urgent care for sudden hearing loss or severe ear pain in New York City.
