Ear pain: what to do.
Ear pain has many causes — infection, swimmer's ear, sinus pressure, jaw dysfunction, or referred pain from a sore throat. A quick exam usually sorts it out in minutes.
Ear pain in kids and adults is often a middle-ear infection (otitis media) or swimmer's ear (otitis externa). Walk in to Quick Urgent Care — we examine the ear and treat with antibiotics or drops the same visit if needed.
What's usually behind ear pain?
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
- Swimmer's ear (outer ear infection)
- Sinus infection with referred pain
- TMJ / jaw pain
- Eustachian tube dysfunction from a cold
- Ear wax impaction
- Foreign body (especially in kids)
Emergency signs
- ! Fluid or pus draining from the ear with high fever
- ! Sudden hearing loss with severe dizziness
- ! Severe swelling behind the ear (mastoiditis)
- ! Facial droop or weakness with ear pain
Common questions.
How do you tell if it's an ear infection?+
We use an otoscope to look at the eardrum. A red, bulging eardrum with fluid behind it points to a middle ear infection. Pain that worsens when we tug the outer ear suggests swimmer's ear.
Do all ear infections need antibiotics?+
Not always. Many middle ear infections in older kids and adults resolve on their own with pain control. We prescribe antibiotics for severe cases, infants, or infections that haven't cleared in 48–72 hours.
Can Quick Urgent Care see kids with ear pain?+
Yes — we see children 3 months and up. Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents walk in.
How we treat ear pain.
Treatments
Comprehensive treatment services at Quick Urgent Care. Acute illness, minor injuries, infections, wound care, and more. Walk in 7am–8pm daily.
Learn morePediatric Urgent Care
Gentle, family-first urgent care for children 3 months and up at Quick Urgent Care in Moore and Oklahoma City. Walk in 7am–8pm.
Learn moreWalk in for ear pain.
Evaluation, testing, and treatment in one visit. Open daily 7am–8pm.