Ear Infection Treatment
Available at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations
Expert Treatment for Ear Infections
True Compassion Urgent Care provides prompt diagnosis and treatment for ear infections (otitis media and otitis externa) for patients of all ages at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations. Ear infections are painful and can develop quickly, especially in children. Our experienced providers use advanced otoscopic examination to accurately diagnose the type and severity of infection, then provide appropriate treatment to relieve pain and clear the infection. Most patients receive diagnosis, pain relief, and prescriptions during a single visit. Walk-ins are always welcome—no appointment needed.
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Infections
- Ear pain or aching (often worse when lying down)
- Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Decreased hearing or muffled sounds
- Fluid drainage from the ear
- Fever (especially in children)
- Irritability or fussiness in young children
- Difficulty sleeping due to ear pain
- Pulling or tugging at the ear (in infants)
- Balance problems or dizziness
- Headache
- Itching in the ear canal (swimmer's ear)
- Recent upper respiratory infection or cold
Our Ear Infection Treatment Approach
At True Compassion Urgent Care, we provide comprehensive evaluation using advanced otoscopy to visualize the ear canal and eardrum. This allows us to accurately diagnose middle ear infections (otitis media), outer ear infections (swimmer's ear/otitis externa), or eardrum perforation. Treatment is tailored to the specific type of infection and may include oral antibiotics, antibiotic ear drops, pain medication, and instructions for home care. For children with recurrent ear infections, we provide guidance on prevention and can coordinate with ENT specialists when needed.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnostic Capabilities
Recovery & Prevention
Most ear infections improve within 48-72 hours of starting antibiotics, with complete resolution in 7-10 days. Pain typically decreases significantly within 24-48 hours. It's essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve quickly. For children, avoid bottle-feeding while lying flat and keep immunizations current to reduce infection risk. For swimmer's ear, dry ears thoroughly after swimming and avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal. Return for follow-up if symptoms worsen, fever persists beyond 48-72 hours of antibiotics, severe pain continues, or you notice hearing loss that doesn't improve after treatment.
Available at Both Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
Ear pain can have many causes, but infections typically involve pain, pressure, decreased hearing, and sometimes fever or drainage. Our providers use otoscopy to visualize the ear canal and eardrum, allowing accurate diagnosis of infection versus other causes like wax buildup, foreign objects, or referred pain from dental issues.
Not all ear infections require antibiotics. Some mild infections, especially viral ones, may resolve on their own. However, bacterial ear infections typically benefit from antibiotic treatment. Our providers assess each case individually and make evidence-based treatment recommendations. Pain management is provided regardless of antibiotic need.
Yes, we commonly treat swimmer's ear (otitis externa), an infection of the outer ear canal often caused by water exposure. Treatment typically involves antibiotic ear drops, pain medication, and instructions to keep the ear dry. Most cases improve within a few days of treatment.
No appointment is necessary. Walk-ins are welcome at both our Palm Beach Gardens and Stuart locations, open daily from 8am to 8pm. We treat patients of all ages including infants, children, and adults.
Recurrent ear infections (3 or more in 6 months or 4 or more in 12 months) may require evaluation for underlying causes and possible preventive strategies. We can provide initial treatment and coordinate with pediatric ENT specialists if ear tubes or other interventions are needed.
Temporary hearing loss is common with ear infections due to fluid behind the eardrum. This typically resolves once the infection clears. Persistent hearing loss after treatment should be evaluated by a specialist. Chronic untreated ear infections can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Seek emergency care for: severe headache with stiff neck, facial paralysis or weakness, severe dizziness with vomiting, signs of meningitis, very high fever in infants under 3 months, or extreme pain not controlled with medication. For typical ear infections, urgent care is appropriate and much more convenient than the ER.
Please bring: (1) Photo ID for parent/guardian, (2) Insurance card, (3) List of current medications and any medication allergies, (4) Previous ear infection history if available, (5) Immunization records if this is your first visit with us.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content on this page is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition.
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not rely on this information for emergency medical treatment.
No physician-patient relationship is created by viewing this content. This information does not replace in-person evaluation and treatment by a licensed medical professional.
Ready to Get Care?
Walk-ins welcome at both locations. Open daily 8am-8pm.