Ear infections can cause some incredibly inconvenient and irritating symptoms: ear pain, ear pressure, difficulty hearing and a fever are all common, and if an ear infection doesn’t seem to be going away, it can be all the more frustrating. You may be wondering whether you need to seek help with an ear infection and, if so, where.
Primary Care vs. Urgent Care vs. ENT Specialist
There are several medical professionals you could see for an ear infection. Here are the top three choices for most people:
Your or your child’s primary care provider (PCP) is often your first stop for new, mild symptoms. They don’t offer specialty care, but they have the medical knowledge needed to perform an ear examination and make an educated guess at what might be causing your symptoms. The patient usually has an existing relationship with their PCP as well, making this a comfortable option.
Urgent care is like an intermediary step between your PCP and the emergency room. These facilities are great for when you require same-day care, but the condition isn’t necessarily life-threatening. They accept walk-ins and staff a number of qualified medical professionals, ranging from general practitioners to specialists.
Finally, an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT, or formally called an otolaryngologist) offers specialist urgent care for issues specifically related to the ears, nose and throat. They can perform a comprehensive ear examination, recommend the best course of treatment and prescribe or perform any necessary medications or procedures.
Ear Infection Symptoms that Indicate It’s Time to Seek Medical Attention
Ear infections are common, especially among children (affecting over 80% of children by age 3), and most resolve on their own without medical treatment. But if symptoms meet any of these criteria, it’s time to seek medical attention.
- A fever of 102° or higher
- Symptoms have lasted more than 3 days
- The ear infection keeps coming back
- Symptoms aren’t responding to over-the-counter medications
- Symptoms are getting worse
- Fluid or blood draining from the ear canal, which often indicates a ruptured eardrum
- Difficulty hearing or hearing loss
Why See an ENT
When it comes to ear infections and the symptoms listed above, any of the above medical professionals are capable of and qualified to give you the medical attention you need. However, if you’re dealing with a recurring ear infection, an ENT is your best bet.
Recurrent ear infections (e.g., three or more infections over the course of a single year) indicate some deeper dysfunction within the ear, nose and throat system (these three body parts are more intimately connected than you might initially think!) or that there’s infected fluid that is lingering. Chronic ear infections can cause hearing loss and severely damaged eardrums.
In these cases, specialized treatment, such as ear tubes or a stronger antibiotic, from an ENT will get you the relief you need, services that your PCP and urgent care are unable to provide.
If you or your child has been suffering from chronic ear infections, treat the underlying cause and seek help from a specialist. Call Spartanburg-Greer ENT & Allergy to schedule an appointment.