You can ignore a lot of discomfort but it’s hard to ignore an ear that feels like it’s pounding from the inside. Ear infections can bring persistent pain, pressure, and muffled hearing that can quickly turn a pleasant day into a miserable one and the perfect dream into a nightmare.
At Family Urgent Care, we offer convenient urgent care for earaches and ear infections in children and adults across Illinois and Indiana. Whether you’re experiencing sharp pain, fluid drainage, or symptoms of a cold or sinus infection, our experienced providers will examine your ear, identify the cause, and create a personalized treatment plan, usually all in the same visit.
Causes of Ear Pain
Ear pain can stem from a number of causes that include.
- Ear wax buildup
- Sinus infection or congestion
- Allergies
- Cold and Flu
- Scratching the ear canal or inserting objects into the ear
- Swimmer’s ear
- Changes in air pressure
If you are looking for earwax removal at urgent care, fungal ear infections and swimmer’s ear infections treatment, we have got you covered.
Our experts offer convenient earwax removal in Chicago & Northwest Indiana and other treatment options for various ear problems without you lifting a finger.
Common Symptoms of Ear Infection
Ear infections can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the type and severity. In both adults and children, you may notice:
- Sharp or throbbing ear pain
- A feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds
- Fluid or pus-like discharge
- Difficulty balancing or dizziness (in some cases)
In infants and toddlers, signs of an ear infection may include:
- Tugging or pulling at the ear
- Trouble sleeping or frequent waking
- Crying more than usual
- Fever (often mild)
- Refusing to eat or drink
As a parent, if you notice any of these behaviors or symptoms in your child, you can contact or visit us right away.
Why Choose Family Urgent Care for Ear Infections
Same-Day Care
Ear pain can make it hard to sleep, work, or focus on anything else. At Family Urgent Care, we get your symptoms evaluated by our providers and help you receive a treatment plan the same day so you don’t need to wait weeks for a routine specialist appointment.
Affordability
Quality ear treatment shouldn’t feel out of reach. Whether you need urgent care for clogged ear or ear infections, we make sure to provide you ultimate satisfaction without spending a fortune on emergency care. Use your insurance when accepted, or ask our team about available payment options.
A Welcoming Space
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll be met with a warm, comfortable environment and a team ready to listen. We make getting care feel less stressful, more personal, and centered around you.
Convenient Locations
With convenient locations in Chicago and Schererville, getting quality urgent care is never far out of your way. Choose the location that works best for you and get the care you need close to home.
When to Visit Urgent Care for Ear Infection
Do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you’re experiencing the following symptoms.
- Ear pain persists for more than a day or two
- Recurrent ear infection
- Fluid or pus discharge from the ear
- Hearing impairment or pressure
- Fever or headache
How Family Urgent Care Treats Ear Infections
At Family Urgent Care, you can expect attentive care from our providers, from your initial evaluation through treatment and follow-up. Here’s what your visit may include.
- Detailed Symptom Evaluation: We listen to your symptoms, including ear pain, pressure, hearing loss, or discharge, and check for related issues like sinus infections or sore throats.
- Ear Examination: We use an otoscope to check the ear canal and eardrum for redness, swelling, fluid buildup, or signs of infection.
- Diagnosing the infection type: Based on the exam, we determine whether it’s an outer, middle, or inner ear infection to opt for the right treatment option.
- Targeted treatment plan: Treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, pain relievers, ear drops, and other medications based on your condition. We also provide home care tips for faster recovery.
- Provide follow-up care: If needed, we arrange follow-up care or refer you to a specialist. We also share tips to prevent future infections, especially if you are prone to sinus issues or earwax buildup.
Whether you are seeking urgent care for ear cleaning, earaches, or ear infections, Family Urgent Care is the right place for all your concerns.
FAQs
For a new or uncomplicated ear infection, urgent care can be a good first stop for an evaluation and treatment. An ENT may be more appropriate for recurring or persistent infections, ongoing hearing problems, a damaged eardrum, or cases that need specialist care.
An urgent care provider will ask about your symptoms and examine your ear with an otoscope to look for signs of infection, inflammation, fluid, or eardrum problems. Based on the findings, they may recommend pain relief, ear drops, antibiotics when appropriate, or other treatment.
Severe or worsening ear pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if you also have fever, drainage, hearing loss, dizziness, or swelling. Until you're evaluated, avoid putting cotton swabs or other objects into your ear, as this can irritate or damage the ear canal.
Many middle ear infections start improving within a few days, and most clear up within 1–2 weeks. However, symptoms that worsen, last more than 2–3 days, or are accompanied by drainage or hearing loss should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Yes. Urgent care can evaluate children with ear pain and determine whether an ear infection or another condition is causing the symptoms. A provider can examine the eardrum and recommend appropriate treatment based on the child's age, symptoms, and severity.
Yes. Urgent care can evaluate and treat swimmer's ear, an infection of the outer ear canal. Treatment commonly includes prescription ear drops, pain relief, and keeping the ear dry while it heals. More severe or complicated infections may require additional treatment or specialist care.