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Dealing with ear pain? Get quick ear infection testing and treatment at our Statesville, NC clinic. We have extended hours – walk in today!
Ear pain can sneak up fast, and when it does, you want relief you can trust. At AFC Statesville, we make it easy to walk in and get tested for ear infections the same day. From pressure and hearing loss to fever, infection, allergies, fluid buildup or fluid drainage, we’ll help pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and get you started on the right treatment, fast.
Our AFC medical team is here to help you find relief quickly.
When people say “ear infection,” they’re often talking about different kinds of ear problems that can feel pretty similar. But not all ear issues are the same, and where the infection is located in the ear makes a big difference in how it’s treated.
At our AFC clinic, here are some of the most common ear-related conditions we see and treat:
Where is it?
Ménière’s disease affects the inner ear, which helps control balance and hearing. It’s a chronic condition that comes and goes in episodes, rather than a traditional infection.
What does it feel like?
How Does AFC Approach Ménière’s Disease?
Because Ménière’s can’t be confirmed through a single exam, our providers will carefully discuss your symptoms and health history with you. If your symptoms match this pattern, we can help you manage discomfort and refer you to an ENT specialist or audiologist for further testing and treatment.
While AFC does not diagnose Ménière’s definitively, we can help rule out other ear conditions, provide symptom relief, and guide your next steps.
Where is it?
Otitis externa is an infection in the outer ear canal, the passage that runs from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. This condition is often caused by moisture getting trapped in the ear, which is why it’s commonly known as “swimmer’s ear.”
What does it feel like?
How Does AFC Treat Swimmer’s Ear?
We’ll examine your ear with an otoscope to check for redness, swelling, or discharge in the outer canal. If an infection is present, we may gently clean the ear and prescribe antibiotic ear drops or anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling and stop the infection.
In more severe cases, if swelling is too advanced, a soft wick may be placed to help the medication reach deeper into the canal. Treatment usually clears symptoms within a few days.
Where is it?
Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum. It’s most common in children but can affect adults too, especially after a cold or sinus infection.
What does it feel like?
How Does AFC Treat Otitis Media?
Our providers will examine your ears using an otoscope to look for fluid buildup, redness, or inflammation. If a bacterial infection is diagnosed, we may prescribe oral antibiotics. For mild cases, we may recommend pain relief and monitoring, especially if it looks like the body can clear it on its own.
If symptoms are severe or don’t improve after initial treatment, we’ll discuss next steps or offer a referral to an ENT if needed.
Where is it?
Tinnitus happens in the inner ear, specifically in the cochlea or along the hearing nerve. Even though there’s no outside noise, your brain still “hears” a sound.
What does it feel like?
People with tinnitus often describe hearing a phantom noise, a sound with no outside source, that can be heard in one or both ears. For some people, it’s a mild background noise that’s easy to ignore. For others, it’s a loud, persistent ringing that can interrupt sleep or make it hard to concentrate or focus.
It might sound like:
Tinnitus can be constant, or come and go throughout the day, and is often more noticeable at night or in quiet places.
How Does AFC Approach Tinnitus Ear?
Our team checks for common causes like excess wax, infections, or recent exposure to loud noise. If we suspect a deeper issue, we can guide you toward ENT or audiology services for more advanced help
Not sure what you have? Below is a simple table for you to look over or come to our clinic to get your ears back to normal!
Condition | Where It Happens | Common Symptoms | Typical Causes | How AFC Helps |
---|---|---|---|---|
Menière’s Disease | Inner ear (deep inside ear structure) |
|
Likely caused by fluid imbalance in the inner ear; exact cause unknown | Symptom discussion, medical history review, symptom relief, ENT referral if needed |
Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) |
Outer ear canal (before the eardrum) |
|
Trapped moisture from swimming or bathing, skin irritation, bacterial infection | Ear exam, antibiotic ear drops, anti-inflammatory meds, cleaning if needed |
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) |
Middle ear (behind the eardrum) |
|
Cold, flu, sinus infection, allergies causing fluid buildup | Ear exam, pain relief, antibiotics (if needed), monitoring or ENT referral |
Tinnitus Ear | Inner Ear (Specifically the cochlea and auditory nerve) |
|
Exposure to loud noise, earwax buildup, age-related hearing loss, ear infections, high blood pressure or circulation issues, jaw problems (like TMJ) | Ear exam, ear cleaning (if needed), medical history review, check for underlying causes (like infection or hearing loss), ENT or hearing specialist referral (if needed) |
Ear pain is a common issue and can be caused by everything from allergies or a sinus infection to changes in altitude. But sometimes, it’s more than just irritation, it could be an ear infection.
If you’re noticing one or more of these symptoms, especially if they get worse or last more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to get checked by a medical provider.
Ear infections usually happen when fluid builds up in the middle ear and gets trapped behind the eardrum. If that fluid contains bacteria or a virus, it can turn into an infection. As the germs grow, they cause swelling, pressure, and pain inside the ear.
Most ear infections affect just one ear, but it’s definitely possible to feel symptoms in both. In addition to pain and pressure, some people also notice trouble hearing, balance issues, or fluid draining from the ear.
Some people are more at risk of ear infections than others. You may be more likely to develop one if you:
If you or your child falls into any of these categories, it’s a good idea to be on the lookout for early signs and seek care when needed.
Don’t let ear pain, pressure, or hearing trouble slow you down. Whether you’re dealing with swimmer’s ear, a middle ear infection, or just aren’t sure what’s going on, the medical team at AFC is here to help. We offer walk-in visits, extended hours, and compassionate care, no appointment needed.
Don't wait to get the medical attention you need.
CALL US TODAY | (704) 924-4740
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