Urgent Care for Earaches in San Antonio

What Is an Earache?

An earache is pain that occurs in or around the ear, either in the outer or inner ear. It can range from mild discomfort to sharp, severe pain and may also interfere with your ability to hear, depending on the cause.

Earache vs. Ear Infection: What’s the Difference?

An earache is pain in the ears and isn’t always due to an infection. However, ear infections are caused by a bacterial or viral infection and usually require antibiotic treatment.

What Causes Earaches?

Infections: Bacterial, Viral, and Fungal

• Bacterial infection
  Bacteria can enter through the Eustachian tube, the small, narrow duct that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. This can lead to inflammation and fluid buildup.
• Viral infection
  Viruses, like those causing colds and flu, can trigger ear infections. This type of earache is common after a respiratory illness.
• Fungal infection
  Certain types of fungi can also cause ear infections, particularly in the outer ear. Though rare, this type of earache is most common among swimmers and those who work in damp areas.

Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers

• Allergies
  Inflammation caused by allergies can block the Eustachian tubes and cause fluid buildup or infection.
• Injuries
  Cleaning to aggressively or inserting objects into the ear can damage the ear canal or eardrum.
• Swimmer’s ear
  Trapped water in the ear canal creates a moist environment, increasing the risk for bacterial growth and outer ear infections.
• Barotrauma
  Sudden pressure changes (e.g., flying or SCUBA diving) can stress the eardrum and cause pain or damage.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction
  A buildup of pressure and fluid can lead to infection.

Referred Pain From Throat, Jaw, or Sinus Issues

• Sinus infections, inflammation, and congestion can increase pressure in the ears, leading to earaches.
• Jaw problems (e.g., temporomandibular joint [TMJ] or arthritis) can cause pain that radiates to the ear.
• Tooth infection can cause pain that radiates to the ear.
• Sore throat and inflammation can cause pain that radiates to the ear.

Earache Symptoms and What They Mean

Signs in Adults vs. Children

Adults

• Sharp or dull ear pain
  May be a sign of infection, pressure changes, or TMJ
• Fullness or pressure in the ear
  May be a sign of a sinus infection, ear infection, allergies, or changes in altitude
• Temporary hearing loss
  May be a sign of infection or blockage in the ear canal
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
  May be a sign of inner ear damage, TMJ, or high blood pressure

Children

• Tugging or pulling at the ear
  May be a sign of discomfort due to ear wax or fluid buildup, or an ear infection
• Increased irritability, especially when lying down
  May be a sign of a cold, or ear infection in the middle or outer ear
• Difficulty sleeping or eating
  May be a sign of a middle ear infection, especially if accompanied by a fever

Associated Symptoms That May Indicate Infection

• Fever
• Thick or discolored fluid draining from the ear
• Hearing loss or muffled sound
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Swelling or redness around the ear
• Ongoing or worsening pain

Types of Earaches

• Outer Ear Pain (Otitis Externa)

Inflammation of the outer ear canal, usually caused by trapped water. Commonly known as swimmer’s ear.

• Middle Ear Pain (Otitis Media)

Inflammation of the middle ear, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Can lead to fluid buildup and pressure.

• Acute Otitis Media
  A sudden middle ear infection, causing sharp pain, fever, and possible hearing difficulty due to fluid buildup.
• Inner Ear Pain and Balance Issues

Often linked to inner ear inflammation (labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis). Can cause dizziness, balance problems, and sometimes hearing loss.

• Referred Ear Pain from Non-Ear Conditions

Pain that originates elsewhere (e.g., the jaw, throat, or teeth), but is felt in the ear.

How to Diagnose an Earache

Physical Examination and Otoscope Use

When you visit Alamo City Urgent Care for earache treatment, one of our skilled physicians will carefully examine your ear canal and eardrum using a small, non-invasive lighted tool called an otoscope. They’ll check for signs of inflammation, fluid buildup, and damage.

If they suspect an outer ear infection, they may also gently move the ear to check for signs of tenderness or pain.

Additional Tests for Persistent or Severe Pain

• Tympanometry
  Measures how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure to detect fluid or pressure issues.
• Hearing tests
  Evaluates the type and severity of any hearing loss.
• Imaging scans (CT or MRI)
  Identifies deeper structural problems or complications causing severe, deep ear pain.
• Cultures
  Detects bacterial infections.
• Blood tests
  Identifies the signs of systemic infection or underlying inflammation.

Best Earache Treatment Options

Consult a physician before beginning any treatment for ear pain.

Over-the-Counter Earache Medicine

• Pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
• Decongestants
• Antihistamines

Prescription Treatments and Antibiotics

• Amoxicillin
• Azithromycin
• Cephalosporins
• Ciprofloxacin
• Antibiotic ear drops
• Acetic acid drops
• Ear tubes for recurrent middle ear infections

At-Home Remedies for Temporary Relief

• Warm or cool compress therapy to soothe pain and reduce inflammation
• Hydration to thin mucus and aid in fluid drainage
• Head elevation to reduce pressure in the ear
• Steam inhalation to clear congestion and pressure

How Long Do Earaches Last?

Timeline Based on Cause

Most earaches last between three and seven days, and some go away without medical treatment, especially in adults. Children, however, are more likely to experience longer-lasting and more severe symptoms.

Here’s a general timeline based on the type of earache:

• Outer ear infection (swimmer’ ear): 7-10 days
• Middle ear infection: 3-5 days if viral, 1-2 weeks if bacterial
• Inner ear infection: Several weeks to months, depending on severity
• Referred earache: Duration depends on the underlying condition and treatment

When Pain Becomes Chronic or Recurrent

Ear pain is considered recurrent or chronic when it:

• Lasts for three months or longer
• Recurs frequently, even after treatment

Urgent Care for Earache at Alamo City Urgent Care

When You Should Visit Urgent Care for Ear Pain

You should visit Alamo City Urgent Care for earaches if you or your child are experiencing one or more of the following:

• Moderate to severe ear pain that does not improve on its own within one to two days
• Fever of 102.2° F (39° C) or higher
• Fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
• Sudden hearing loss or muffled hearing
• Dizziness, nausea, or balance problems
• Persistent pain following a cold or sinus infection
• Persistent ear pain after swimming or air travel

How We Diagnose and Relieve Ear Pain Fast

If you or your child is struggling with ear pain that lasts longer than 48 hours, visit your nearest Alamo City Urgent Care location for same-day, walk-in treatment. Our experienced providers focus on quick, accurate diagnosis and effective ear infection and earache relief to ease discomfort and treat the root cause of the problem.

Whether it’s an outer, middle, or inner ear issue, we’ll create a personalized care plan to help get rid of your earache so you can feel better fast.

What to Expect During Your Urgent Care Visit 

Your visit will begin with a focused ear exam using a medical-grade otoscope to check for signs of infection, blockage, fluid buildup, or inflammation.

We may also assess your hearing, ask about related symptoms like fever or sinus pressure. Based on your diagnosis, we may recommend ear drops, antibiotics, or over-the-counter pain relief.

At Alamo City Urgent Care, expert earache care is always close by.