Yes, the ER is used for "primary care" when no other options are available, or at least that is the way in Hawaii for the uninsured.

Go to the doctor; not worth the pain/trouble if you don't.

If it is an ear infection, you need to get it cleared up sooner, rather than later. Bite the financial bullet and go to ER.

But first:

It also might be related to your blood pressure. Go to a Walgreen's, or any where else that has a free blood pressure machine. Take your blood pressure sitting down, first. Then stand for two minutes, and take it standing up a second time. If there is a 20% drop, it could be blood pressure related.

No, I am not a doctor, I only play one at home.

Good gosh...isn't that something? I would have never thought to do that. My blood pressure is always so low that everybody wants to bury me when they take it. They say no one could live with that low a pressure.

I'm going into town tomorrow. I think I'll drop by Walgreens first and hopefully eliminate that possibility.

Anno, you play a doctor at home and now - online! Great suggestion.

Not to get too political about this:

But I feel sad on behalf for jawjaw..that given U.S.'s current health care system that someone like her is forced to hesitate to see a doctor within the next 1-2 days because ..of simply private cost, billing costs later on and probably problems of immediate future payments.

Most Canadians I personally know wouldn't hesitate for jawjaw's type of probelm..they would be contacting the doctor's office for an appointment. There would be no additional cost to be examined by doctor thereafter. It's covered by our monthly premium to govn't health authority.

A few years ago, I personally had a serious dizzy spell, saw doctor next day (I couldn't get up because my vision was wonky.) and then referral to an ear-throat-nose specialist...then to audiotesting clinic at a research-teaching hospital in my home city.

There was no charge...just patience required to take time to go through the chain of specialists.

My sister also experienced a different set of symptoms for a few months and underwent examination by 2 specialists. She does have tinnitus/ringing in the ears more often now.

However neither of us experienced ear pain.

Dizzy spells/balance problems are disabling..enough not to walk (or at least quickly), negotiate staircases, even drive a car for far/fast.

I'm just seeing this, but I would suggest you try one of the "minute clinics" that are in many Walgreen's and CVS pharmacies or some other Urgent Care Center. They are mostly staffed with nurse practitioners, but can treat many common ailments and write prescriptions. And they are cheaper than the emergency room. Ear problems shouldn't be ignored as they can escalate into something much more serious.