Can urgent care treat ear infections

Can Urgent Care Treat an Ear Infection? Here’s What You Need to Know

Fast, Affordable Relief for Ear Pain Starts at Urgent Care

Ear pain can be miserable — whether it’s a throbbing ache that keeps you up at night or a sharp pain that hits after a cold or swim. The good news? Most ear infections can be quickly diagnosed and treated at an urgent care clinic, often the same day you notice symptoms.

At Complete Health Partners Urgent Care, our medical team provides fast, walk-in treatment for ear infections in both adults and children so you can get relief and avoid unnecessary trips to the ER.

Common Signs of an Ear Infection

Ear infections often start with pain, pressure, or a “full” feeling in the ear. You might also notice:

  • Sharp or dull ear pain

  • Fluid drainage from the ear

  • Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing

  • Fever or general fatigue

  • Irritability or trouble sleeping in children

If symptoms worsen, last longer than a few days, or are accompanied by high fever or severe pain, it’s time to visit urgent care.

Can Urgent Care Diagnose an Ear Infection?

Yes! Urgent care providers are equipped to examine your ears using an otoscope (a lighted instrument that lets them see inside your ear canal and eardrum). This helps determine whether the problem is:

  • A middle ear infection (often caused by bacteria or viruses)

  • Swimmer’s ear (an infection in the outer ear canal)

  • Or another cause of ear pain, such as sinus congestion, allergies, or wax buildup

Once diagnosed, your provider will create a treatment plan to relieve symptoms and clear the infection.

How Urgent Care Treats Ear Infections

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your infection. At urgent care, you may receive:

  • Antibiotic ear drops or oral antibiotics (if bacterial)

  • Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication

  • Ear wax removal or ear irrigation, if wax buildup is causing discomfort

  • Advice for home care, including warm compresses or over-the-counter options

For viral infections, antibiotics aren’t always necessary, but your urgent care provider can help manage symptoms while your body heals.

When to Go to Urgent Care vs. the ER

Most ear infections can be safely treated at urgent care. However, go to the emergency room if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe dizziness or loss of balance

  • Facial weakness or drooping

  • High fever (over 103°F)

  • Blood or thick pus draining from the ear

  • Ear pain after a recent head injury

Otherwise, urgent care offers the most convenient and affordable way to get relief — without the long waits or high ER bills.

Can You Go to Urgent Care for a Child’s Ear Infection?

Absolutely. Ear infections are one of the most common pediatric visits in urgent care. Our team at Complete Health Partners provides gentle, child-friendly care for children 6 months & older. We’ll make sure your child feels comfortable, properly treated, and ready to get back to feeling better.

How to Prevent Future Ear Infections

A few simple steps can help reduce your risk:

  • Treat allergies and sinus infections promptly

  • Keep ears dry after swimming or bathing

  • Avoid inserting cotton swabs or objects in the ear

  • Stay up-to-date on vaccines

  • Wash hands often to prevent respiratory infections that can lead to ear problems

Fast Relief at Complete Health Partners Urgent Care

If you or your child has ear pain, don’t wait days for an appointment — walk into Complete Health Partners Urgent Care today.
We’re open early and late, 7 days a week in Nashville & 6 days a week in Hendersonville, with onsite diagnostic tools and experienced providers ready to help you feel better fast.

Find us in Hendersonville or Nashville, TN, or check in online to save your spot.

Nashville Area Clinics     

Nashville West Clinic    

6749 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209   

629.203.7858   

9am – 7pm, 7 days a week    

Hendersonville Clinic    

166 E Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075   

615.991.2855   

7am – 7pm, Monday-Friday

8am- 2pm Satuday

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