If you or your child has an earache, we offer walk-in ear infection treatment at Urgentcare MDs in Baytown and Crosby. Ear infections happen in both children and adults, and they can bring pain, pressure, muffled hearing and sometimes a fever. Our providers look inside the ear, find out what is causing the pain and start treatment the same visit. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available but not required.
Should I go to urgent care for an ear infection?
Yes. If ear pain is moderate or severe, or it has not improved after a few days at home, urgent care can diagnose and treat it without the wait and cost of an emergency room. At Urgentcare MDs in Baytown and Crosby, we examine the ear, check for fluid, redness and swelling, and prescribe antibiotics when a bacterial infection is suspected.
What causes an ear infection?
Most ear infections start when fluid gets trapped in the middle ear. Bacteria or viruses can grow in that fluid, which leads to inflammation, pressure and pain.
Children get ear infections more easily because their eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal, so fluid has a harder time draining. Adults can develop them from allergies, sinus congestion, colds and changes in air pressure. If allergies or sinus trouble keep setting off your ear pain, see our pages on allergy treatment and sinus infection treatment.
Swimmer’s ear is different. It is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water that stays in the ear after swimming. That moisture can let bacteria or fungi grow. You can read more in our post on swimmer’s ear and pool-related issues.
Common signs of an ear infection
Ear pain
Pain is usually the most noticeable sign. It can feel sharp or throbbing.
Pressure or fullness
The ear may feel plugged. Fluid buildup can make sounds seem muffled or hard to hear clearly.
Fever
Ear infections can cause a fever. A fever above 102°F (39°C) could mean the infection is more severe. Learn more in can ear infections cause a fever?
Fluid draining
You may notice yellow, clear or even bloody fluid coming from the ear.
Balance problems
The ear helps with balance, so an infection can make adults feel dizzy or unsteady.
Signs in children
Kids often pull or tug at their ears, cry more than usual, get irritable, have trouble sleeping or run a fever.
What happens at your ear infection visit
Here is what to expect when you come in to either clinic.
- Walk in or call ahead. Walk in to our Baytown or Crosby clinic, or contact us to schedule an appointment.
- Ear exam. Your provider uses an otoscope to look inside the ear and check for fluid buildup, redness, swelling and other signs of infection.
- Ruling out other causes. Ear pain can also come from jaw or sinus problems, so we evaluate carefully. In some cases, on-site rapid diagnostics help rule out other causes and show whether the infection is bacterial or viral.
- Treatment plan. We can clean and remove debris from the ear when needed. If the infection is bacterial, we may prescribe antibiotics. Prescriptions are sent electronically, and there is a pharmacy in the building that is operated independently.
- Follow-up if needed. Recurrent infections may need follow-up or monitoring, and symptoms that persist or get worse should be rechecked so treatment can be adjusted. We can also guide you on next steps, including referrals if necessary.
Why patients choose Urgentcare MDs
- ✓Walk-ins welcome.. Appointments are available but not required, and we are open evenings and weekends.
- ✓ER experienced physicians.. Our clinics are staffed by physicians with emergency room experience.
- ✓Testing on site.. Our clinics have on-site lab testing and digital X-ray.
- ✓Family-friendly.. We see children and adults, with family-friendly waiting rooms.
- ✓Most major insurance.. We accept most major insurance plans.
Middle ear infection vs. swimmer's ear
Both cause ear pain, but they start in different parts of the ear and are treated a little differently.
| Middle ear infection | Swimmer's ear | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it happens | Middle ear | Outer ear canal |
| Common trigger | Fluid trapped in the middle ear, often after colds, allergies, sinus congestion or air pressure changes | Water left in the ear after swimming |
| Typical signs | Ear pain, pressure or fullness, muffled hearing, fever, drainage | Itching (often first), redness, drainage, pain when the outer ear is pulled or pushed, fever in some cases |
| Common treatment | Pain relief and warm compresses for mild cases; antibiotics if bacterial and moderate to severe | Over-the-counter ear drops for mild cases; prescription medicine, including antibiotics or antifungals, for more severe infections |
When to go to the ER instead
We treat minor, non-life-threatening conditions. Urgent care is not a replacement for the emergency room. Go to the ER for:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding or head trauma
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden loss of vision or blurred vision
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. See ER or urgent care?
Visit Our Baytown and Crosby Clinics
Walk in at either Urgentcare MDs clinic, open 7 days a week. We also welcome patients from nearby communities, including Mont Belvieu, Highlands, La Porte, Cove, Huffman, Barrett and Sheldon.
Baytown Urgent Care
1658 West Baker Rd
Baytown, TX 77521
Phone: (281) 428-0000
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Crosby Urgent Care
14405 FM 2100, Ste. B
Crosby, TX 77532
Phone: (832) 821-9780
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Ear infection FAQs
Where can I get an ear infection checked in Baytown or Crosby?
You can walk in to Urgentcare MDs at either our Baytown or Crosby clinic. Our providers examine the ear, look for fluid, redness and swelling, and start treatment the same visit. Appointments are available but not required, so you can come in when the earache starts bothering you.
Do I need an appointment for an ear infection, and do you take insurance?
No appointment is needed. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call to schedule. We accept most major insurance plans. Urgent care usually costs less than the emergency room, but your final cost depends on your insurance coverage, so it is best to check with your insurance provider.
Can an ear infection cause a fever?
Yes. A fever is the body’s response to infection. If the fever is high, above 102°F (39°C), lasts more than a couple of days or keeps climbing, the infection may be more severe and should be checked by a provider. Children often run a fever with an ear infection.
Are antibiotics always needed for an ear infection?
Not always. Antibiotics are used when a bacterial infection is suspected. Viral infections are usually managed with symptom relief and monitoring. If you are prescribed antibiotics, finish the full course as directed. That helps clear the infection fully and helps prevent antibiotic resistance.
How can I tell if my child's ear pain is an infection?
Children often pull at their ears, cry more than usual, have trouble sleeping or develop a fever. If you see these signs along with ear pressure or trouble hearing, it is time to get care, and our post on pediatric fevers can help. Kids are more prone to complications from ear infections, so it is a good idea to seek help early.
When is an ear infection serious?
Get medical attention right away for a very high fever, significant hearing loss, severe dizziness or ear discharge. Swelling around the ear or trouble moving parts of the face can be a sign of a more serious infection called mastoiditis. We can evaluate these problems and guide your next steps, including referrals if needed.
When should I see someone for swimmer's ear?
Get care if you have significant pain, fever, swelling or trouble hearing, or if symptoms last more than two days without getting better. Waiting it out is not a good idea, because complications such as hearing loss can develop. Avoid swimming until the infection clears.
How can I help prevent ear infections?
Dry your ears well after swimming or bathing, and use earplugs for swimming, especially for children. Do not put objects in your ears. Wash your hands often, stay away from smoke, which can irritate the ear, and keep up with vaccines like the flu shot.
Get relief from ear pain today
Walk in to Urgentcare MDs in Baytown or Crosby for an ear exam and treatment. No appointment needed.