Ear, Nose and Throat
Ear infections, ringing in the ears and sore throat
What this board is about
This is a place to talk about the ears (middle ear infection, outer ear infection, ringing in the ears, dizziness), the nose (rhinitis, sinusitis, nosebleeds) and the throat (tonsillitis, sore throat, voice changes). It covers a wide range, from middle ear infections in children to ringing in the ears in adults.
Which department to go to
- Most ear, nose and throat problems: otolaryngology (ENT)
- A middle ear infection or rhinitis in a child: otolaryngology (ENT) or pediatrics
- Dizziness that is severe and keeps coming back: start at otolaryngology (ENT), and you will be connected on to neurology if needed
When to go to a hospital quickly
- When one ear suddenly stops hearing well (with sudden hearing loss, the sooner it is treated the higher the recovery rate — within the same day to a few days if possible)
- When severe dizziness comes with slurred speech or weakness in an arm or leg (this can be a sign of stroke — 119)
- When a nosebleed does not stop for more than 20~30 minutes
- Throat pain bad enough that swallowing is hard, together with a high fever and a mouth that does not open well
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-05
Frequently asked questions
My child says their ear hurts after a cold
An acute middle ear infection after a cold is very common in children. Have the ear checked at an ENT clinic or a pediatric clinic within a day or two. If the pain is bad, you can control it with fever and pain medicine while you wait for the appointment.
I have ringing in my ears. Could it be something serious?
Most ringing in the ears is not a dangerous illness, but it often comes together with hearing loss, so it is a good idea to have a hearing test at an ENT clinic. In particular, please do see a doctor about ringing that continues in one ear only.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-05)Last checked: 2026년 8월 5일
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