Ear Infections

Ear infections are a common health problem, affecting up to five in six children before the age of three. At Mederi Urgent Care in the Melrose Hill neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the team of primary care physicians specializes in diagnosing and treating ear infections in people of all ages. Call Mederi Urgent Care today to schedule ear infection treatment for yourself or your child, or book an appointment online.

What are ear infections?

An ear infection is an infection of the middle ear. The middle ear is an air-filled space behind your eardrum that contains bones and other connective tissue. Anyone can experience an ear infection, but they’re more common in children than adults.

What are the symptoms of ear infections?

Ear infection symptoms include:

• Ear pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Drainage of fluid from the ear
• Trouble hearing
• Fever of 100 degrees or higher
• Loss of balance

Since ear infections often affect infants, they can be hard to spot. The Mederi Urgent Care team recommends watching your child for telltale signs of an ear infection, like fussiness, crying more than normal, or tugging at their ears.

When should I see a doctor about an ear infection?

Make an appointment at Mederi Urgent Care if you or your child develop symptoms of an ear infection that last for more than 24 hours. That’s especially true if it occurs alongside an upper respiratory infection, like a cold, the flu, or COVID-19. Ear infections typically get worse over time, so early intervention is crucial for a quick recovery.

How are ear infections diagnosed?

Your Mederi Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. They then use a hand-held instrument, called an otoscope, to look into your ears, throat, and nasal passage for signs of infection.

If your provider suspects another problem is responsible for your symptoms, they might order additional tests, including:

Tympanometry

This test measures your inner ear pressure and assesses how well your eardrum moves.

Acoustic reflectometry

This test assesses your eardrum’s ability to reflect and absorb sound. An abnormal reading indicates fluid buildup inside your ear.

How are ear infections treated?

The Mederi Urgent Care team treats ear infections using a conservative and integrative approach. They could suggest:

• Waiting and watching
• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication
• Anesthetic eardrops to relieve pain
• Prescription antibiotics

If your child regularly suffers with ear infections, the team might recommend ear tubes. Ear tubes are inserted into your child’s ear during an outpatient procedure. The tubes stay in place for several months and prevent fluid from building up inside the inner ear.

Call Mederi Urgent Care today to schedule ear infection treatment for yourself or your child, or book an appointment online.