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Ear infection evaluation

Ear pain from ear infections and earaches are more common in children than adults and most commonly caused by bacterial infections, viruses and injuries.

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Have questions about ear infections? Get started here.

What are ear infections and earaches?

Ear infections and earaches can both cause ear pain. They are more common in children than in adults. They usually affect just one ear at a time, and the pain can be constant or come and go.

Getting help

Your MinuteClinic health care provider can assess your symptoms, examine you and provide you with a personalized treatment plan. They can also prescribe medication as needed.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.


    If you made your appointment online:

    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:

    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Ear infection causes and symptoms

Bacterial infections, viruses and injuries are the most common causes of ear pain. In some cases, illness or injury elsewhere in the body can cause ear pain. For example, even tooth problems can cause ear pain.

Common causes of ear pain include:

  • Ear infection (from bacteria or a virus)
  • Earwax
  • Injury caused by cotton swab
  • Object in the ear
  • Pressure change (while flying, etc.)
  • Sinus infection
  • Strep throat

Less common causes of earache include:

  • Damaged eardrum
  • Dental problems
  • Nerve problems
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome or jaw pain

Symptoms and signs of ear infections in children include:

  • Drainage from the ear
  • Fussiness
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • More crying than usual
  • Pain that is worse when lying down
  • Pulling on the ear
  • Trouble hearing
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble with balance

Ear infection symptoms and signs in adults include:

  • Drainage from the ear
  • Trouble hearing
  • Ear pain
  • Fever
  • Headache

Immediate medical care is needed if any of the symptoms above occur in a child 6 months old or younger.

Ear infection evaluation

Antibiotics are effective only when a bacterial infection is the cause. They're not effective against viruses or inflammation caused by irritants. The following over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms:

  • Antibiotics: Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics that are swallowed or by drops that go into the ear. Both treatments may be used for severe infections. If it's severe, MinuteClinic® providers may also use drops that help to treat the ear infection locally.
  • Ear wax removal: Pain caused by ear wax can be treated by removing the wax. This is best done by a health care professional, such as a MinuteClinic® provider. Sometimes, ear wax can be pushed deeper into the ear and cause more problems when you try to take care of ear wax on your own. Ear drops that soften the wax and allow it to fall out on its own may be used as well.
  • Other methods: Viral infections are treated differently because antibiotics are not effective against a virus. Jaw problems are treated by a dentist.

Most ear pain should be evaluated if it does not go away after a day or two. Getting an ear pain evaluation quickly can make you feel better faster. It also helps to prevent serious problems from happening. There are a few symptoms that require immediate care, though. Those symptoms are:

  • Blood draining from the ear
  • Dizziness
  • Drooping face
  • Headache
  • Problems with balance
  • Pus draining from the ear
  • Severe pain
  • Swelling in or near the ear

Some of these may require more serious treatment. Our providers can assess your situation and provide referrals if necessary.

It might seem like ear pain that goes away abruptly is a good thing. It usually is not. Severe ear pain that goes away quickly is often a sign of a ruptured eardrum. Quick treatment of a ruptured eardrum can prevent serious problems.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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