Emergency Ear Infection Treatment

Ear infections have a way of showing up at the worst possible times — and when the pain becomes unbearable, waiting until Monday morning to see your primary care doctor just isn’t an option. Whether it’s you or your child suffering through the pain, an ear infection that needs immediate attention deserves immediate care.

At Complete Care, we can treat ear infections all day, every single day in our freestanding emergency rooms. Our emergency-trained physicians can quickly diagnose your infection, provide fast pain relief, and prescribe the right antibiotics to get you on the road to recovery. We’re open 24/7, accept walk-ins with no appointment necessary, and our average wait time is just minutes, not hours. 

Visit any Complete Care ER location near you for immediate ear infection treatment.  We’re here when you need us most, with the expertise and equipment to provide the emergency care you deserve — right in your neighborhood.

For life-threatening situations, please call 911.

Table of Contents

• Symptoms of ear infection in children and infants
• Symptoms of ear infection in adults
• How to know when to go to the ER for an ear infection?
• What will the ER do for an ear infection?
• How do you treat an ear infection in a toddler?

Symptoms of ear infection in children and infants

Ear infections are one of the most common reasons parents bring their children to the emergency room — and for good reason. Young children get ear infections more frequently than adults, but they can’t always tell you what’s wrong. That’s why knowing what to look for is so important.

Common signs of an ear infection in infants and children include:

• Tugging or pulling at the ear, especially in babies and toddlers who can’t express their pain with words
• Increased fussiness or crying, particularly when lying down
• Trouble sleeping or waking up frequently during the night
• Fever of 100°F or higher
• Fluid draining from the ear, which may look yellowish or blood-tinged
• Difficulty hearing or not responding to sounds like they normally would
• Loss of appetite or refusing the bottle, since sucking and swallowing can increase ear pressure and pain
• Balance problems or appearing clumsier than usual
• Irritability that seems out of character for your child
• Holding or rubbing the affected ear repeatedly

If your child is under six months old with a fever, has severe pain that doesn’t improve, shows signs of hearing loss, or has fluid draining from their ear, don’t wait to seek medical attention. 

Complete Care is here 24/7 to provide fast, compassionate emergency care for your little one — no appointment needed, and our pediatric-friendly team knows how to help your child feel comfortable while we treat their infection.

Learn more: How to prevent ear infections after swimming

Symptoms of ear infection in adults

While ear infections are often associated with childhood, adults get them too, and they can be just as painful and disruptive. Recognizing the signs early can help you get treatment before the infection worsens or leads to complications.

Common symptoms of an ear infection in adults include:

• Sharp or throbbing ear pain that may be constant or come and go
• Feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear, like it’s clogged
• Difficulty hearing or muffled sounds, as if you’re underwater
• Fluid drainage from the ear, which may be clear, yellow, or bloody
• Fever ranging from mild to high
• Headache that may extend from the ear area
• Dizziness or loss of balance, especially when standing or moving
• Trouble sleeping due to pain that worsens when lying down
• Jaw pain or discomfort when chewing

Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person. If you’re dealing with intense pain, high fever, sudden hearing loss, or symptoms that aren’t improving after a day or two, it’s time to seek emergency care. At Complete Care, we can quickly assess your condition and provide the treatment you need to feel better fast.

How to know when to go to the ER for an ear infection?

Not every ear infection requires a trip to the emergency room — but some definitely do. While mild ear discomfort might resolve on its own or can wait for a regular doctor’s appointment, certain symptoms indicate you need immediate medical attention.

You should visit a freestanding ER for an ear infection if you or your child experiences:

• Severe, unbearable pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• High fever (103°F or higher in adults, 100°F or higher in infants under three months)
• Sudden hearing loss or significant changes in hearing ability
• Fluid or pus draining from the ear, especially if it’s bloody
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness behind the ear, which could signal a spreading infection
• Stiff neck, severe headache, or confusion, which may indicate the infection has spread beyond the ear
• Symptoms that worsen rapidly or don’t improve after 24–48 hours
• Dizziness so severe you can’t stand or walk properly
• Facial weakness or paralysis on the same side as the infected ear

It’s also important to seek emergency care if your ear infection develops alongside other serious conditions. For example, what starts as a cold and flu can sometimes lead to an ear infection that needs professional treatment. Similarly, complications from sinus infections or sore throat and strep throat can affect the ears and require immediate attention — especially if you’re experiencing multiple symptoms at once.

Don’t second-guess yourself when it comes to ear pain. If something feels seriously wrong or you’re worried about your child’s symptoms, it’s always better to get checked out.

What will the ER do for an ear infection?

Walking into the ER with an ear infection might feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help ease your worries. At Complete Care, our goal is to quickly diagnose the problem, relieve your pain, and get you started on the right treatment — all in a comfortable, efficient environment.

Here’s what typically happens during your visit:

1. Examination

Using an otoscope (a special lighted tool), a doctor will look inside your ear to check for redness, swelling, fluid buildup, or other signs of infection. We’ll also examine your throat, nose, and neck to rule out related issues.

2. Diagnosis

Ear infections are typically either bacterial or viral. Bacterial infections usually require antibiotics, while viral ear infection treatment focuses on managing symptoms and allowing your body to heal naturally. In some cases, we may need to determine if there’s fluid behind the eardrum or if the infection has spread.

3. Treatment plan

We’ll provide immediate pain relief through medications, whether that’s prescription-strength pain relievers, ear drops, or other options depending on your situation. You shouldn’t have to suffer while waiting for antibiotics to work. If you have a bacterial infection, we’ll prescribe antibiotics to clear it up. You’ll receive clear instructions on how to take them and what to expect during recovery.

At Complete Care, you’ll receive the same comprehensive treatment you’d get at a hospital ER — but with shorter wait times and a more personal experience. We’re equipped to handle everything from routine ear infections to complex cases that need advanced care.

How do you treat an ear infection in a toddler?

Treating ear infections in children, especially toddlers, requires a careful approach that balances effective medicine with comfort and care. Toddlers can’t always tell you what hurts or how they’re feeling, which makes professional medical evaluation even more important.

When you bring your toddler to Complete Care for an ear infection, here’s how we approach treatment:

1. Examination

We know toddlers can be nervous or upset when they’re not feeling well. Our team is experienced in examining young children quickly and gently, using child-friendly techniques to check their ears without causing additional distress.

2. Diagnosis

Not all ear infections need antibiotics. Our doctors will determine whether your toddler’s infection is bacterial (which responds to antibiotics) or viral (which typically clears up on its own). We only prescribe antibiotics when they’re truly necessary, helping prevent antibiotic resistance.

3. Treatment plan

Relieving your toddler’s discomfort is our top priority. We may recommend or prescribe age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In some cases, numbing ear drops can provide additional relief. We’ll show you how to administer medications properly, explain what symptoms to watch for, and give you tips for keeping your toddler comfortable at home — like positioning them upright during sleep and using a warm compress.

As a parent, trust your instincts. If your toddler seems seriously ill, is in severe pain, or isn’t getting better with treatment, Complete Care is here 24/7 to provide the expert emergency care they need.

Get immediate ear infection treatment at Complete Care today

Ear pain doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. Whether it’s the middle of the night, a holiday weekend, or any time in between, Complete Care is ready to provide the ear infection treatment you or your child needs — right when you need it most.

With convenient locations across Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs, expert emergency care is always close by. No appointment necessary, no lengthy wait times, and no worrying about whether you’ll be turned away. Just walk in, and our experienced medical team will take care of the rest.

Don’t let an ear infection disrupt your life any longer. Visit your nearest Complete Care location today and experience the difference that fast, compassionate emergency care makes.