Ear infections are bacterial infections that occur within the ear canal. They occur when fluid gets trapped within the ear, which creates a breeding ground for bacteria. Ear infections are very common, but they can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, including impacting your ability to hear in some cases. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, it is important to seek medical care for proper treatment. Ear infections may require treatments such as antibiotics in addition to at-home care to fully resolve.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, such as trouble hearing, AFC Attleboro can help. Our walk-in clinic provides same-day care for ear infections and other minor conditions, all on a walk-in basis. Simply walk into the clinic, or save your spot online below - we’re open 7 days a week!
Is Hearing Loss a Symptom of an Ear Infection?
Ear infections can form when fluid gets stuck within the ear canal. Infections can brew quickly, with symptoms appearing after a day or two. Ear infection symptoms typically are very easy to identify. They often begin as mild ear pain, itching within the ear, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. As the infection grows, you may experience trouble hearing and loss of balance as the result of the infection in the ear. In some cases, patients may also experience flu-like symptoms including a fever and body aches.
Ear Infection Diagnosis & Treatment
If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, you should seek medical care. Some mild ear infections can go away on their own, but in most cases, ear infections require medical care to fully resolve. Your medical provider will look inside of your ear and determine the best course of treatment based on how severe the infection is. Ear infections are commonly treated with prescription ear drops which directly attack the infection within the ear.
Tips for Preventing Ear Infections
Ear infections are common during the warmer months because swimming exposes our ears to water. Ear infections caused by water exposure are preventable with the correct precautionary steps. If you swim often, consider using waterproof ear plugs to prevent water from getting into the ear canal. If you get water in your ears when you swim, make sure to shake it all out afterwards to prevent an infection. Avoid using tools like cotton swabs, because these could push the water further into the ear canal.
Visit AFC Attleboro for Same-Day Ear Infection Relief
Ear infections can cause unpleasant symptoms and impact your ability to hear. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an ear infection, you should seek medical care. At AFC Urgent Care Attleboro, our walk-in clinic in Attleboro, MA provides same-day care for ear infection symptoms on a walk-in basis. We treat patients of all ages, and are open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Our board-certified medical providers are experts in diagnosing and treating common ailments, including ear infections. We work with most medical insurance providers, and offer affordable care for self-paying patients. To learn more, walk into the clinic today or give us a call at (774) 254-9500 to learn more!
