Ear Infection
Treatment Clear it up. Fast.

Same-day diagnosis and treatment for ear pain, middle ear infections, outer ear infections, and related conditions for adults of all ages.

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Pain You Cannot Ignore Ear Infections
That Need Real Care

Ear pain is hard to ignore and harder to push through. Whether it came on after a cold, a swim, a flight, or seemingly out of nowhere, ear pain, muffled hearing, or discharge from the ear are symptoms that deserve a real examination, not a guess at the drugstore.

At Superior Health Medical and Wellness, Dr. Akers examines the ear canal and eardrum directly using an otoscope to identify the type of infection, its severity, and the appropriate treatment. Not every ear infection requires an antibiotic, but every ear infection requires a proper diagnosis.

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Ear infection diagnosis and treatment at Superior Health Medical
Ear Infection Services What We Provide

From acute middle ear infections to swimmer's ear and fluid behind the eardrum, Dr. Akers evaluates and treats the full spectrum of ear conditions in adults. Explore the services below.

Dr. Akers performs a direct examination of the ear canal and eardrum to identify infection, fluid, perforation, blockage, or other abnormalities. This direct visualization is the only reliable way to determine what type of ear problem you have and what treatment is appropriate.
Otitis media is an infection in the middle ear space, the area behind the eardrum. It often follows a cold or respiratory illness and presents as ear pain, muffled hearing, pressure, and sometimes fever. Dr. Akers determines whether bacterial infection is present and prescribes antibiotics when clinically appropriate.
Otitis externa is an infection of the outer ear canal, commonly caused by water exposure, excessive cleaning, or certain skin conditions. It presents as ear canal pain that worsens when you touch or pull the ear. Dr. Akers prescribes antibiotic ear drops and guides you on what to avoid during healing.
Excessive earwax buildup can cause ear pain, a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, and tinnitus symptoms similar to an ear infection. Dr. Akers evaluates for impacted wax and can perform gentle irrigation or removal when indicated.
A collection of fluid behind the eardrum without active infection can cause muffled hearing, pressure, and a sensation of fullness. This often follows a cold or allergies. Dr. Akers evaluates the fluid and determines whether treatment is needed or whether watchful waiting is appropriate.
When ear infections are recurrent, when hearing loss is significant, when the eardrum has perforated, or when standard treatment is not resolving the infection, Dr. Akers coordinates a timely referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for further evaluation.
Why It Matters Treat the Right Infection
the Right Way
Ear infection evaluation and treatment at Superior Health
01 Not Every Ear Infection Needs an Antibiotic

Viral ear infections do not respond to antibiotics. Prescribing antibiotics when they are not needed contributes to antibiotic resistance and does not speed recovery. Dr. Akers evaluates carefully to distinguish bacterial from viral or fluid-related ear problems, so you only take antibiotics when they will actually help.

02 Untreated Infections Can Worsen

A bacterial middle ear infection that does not receive appropriate treatment can progress to more serious complications including a ruptured eardrum, mastoiditis, or persistent hearing loss. Getting evaluated and treated when symptoms start is far better than waiting to see if it resolves on its own.

03 Ear Pain Has Multiple Causes

Not all ear pain originates in the ear itself. TMJ dysfunction, dental infections, throat conditions, and cervical spine issues can all cause referred pain to the ear. Dr. Akers evaluates the full picture to ensure the cause of your ear pain is correctly identified before treatment is selected.

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Otoscope ear examination at Superior Health Medical
Types of Ear Infections Middle Ear vs.
Outer Ear

Middle ear infections (otitis media) affect the space behind the eardrum and are most commonly triggered by a preceding cold or upper respiratory infection. The Eustachian tube, which drains the middle ear, becomes blocked by congestion, allowing bacteria or viruses to grow. Symptoms include ear pain, fullness, muffled hearing, and sometimes fever.

Outer ear infections (otitis externa or swimmer's ear) affect the ear canal itself and are usually triggered by moisture exposure, excessive cleaning, or skin breakdown. The pain is typically located in the canal and worsens when the outer ear is touched or moved. Treatment involves antibiotic ear drops, sometimes combined with a steroid to reduce inflammation.

Both types are treatable, but they require different approaches. Seeing Dr. Akers ensures the right type is identified and treated correctly from the first visit, rather than using the wrong medication for the wrong type of infection.

Ear infection follow up care at Superior Health
When Ear Pain Is an Emergency Symptoms That Require
Urgent Attention

Most ear infections are uncomfortable but not dangerous when treated appropriately. However, certain symptoms indicate a more serious problem that requires urgent care. Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness or vertigo, facial weakness, swelling behind the ear, or a high fever accompanying your ear pain should prompt same-day evaluation.

Dr. Akers takes these symptoms seriously and will evaluate for mastoiditis, labyrinthitis, or other complications that require escalated care. For straightforward ear infections, she provides everything you need to start recovering the same day you walk in.

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Frequently Asked Questions Your Questions,
Answered
The most common symptoms are ear pain, a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, muffled or reduced hearing, and sometimes drainage or fluid from the ear. Fever may be present with a bacterial middle ear infection. A direct examination with an otoscope is the only way to confirm the diagnosis, which is why Dr. Akers examines the ear at every visit.
Some mild middle ear infections in adults, particularly those caused by viruses, will resolve on their own within a few days. However, bacterial infections require antibiotics to clear. Swimmer's ear almost always requires antibiotic ear drops. Dr. Akers evaluates your specific situation and prescribes antibiotics when they are clinically indicated, not as a default.
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, most bacterial ear infections improve significantly within 48 to 72 hours. Symptoms may linger for up to a week or two as the inflammation fully resolves. If symptoms are not improving within 48 to 72 hours of starting antibiotics, contact Dr. Akers for re-evaluation.
Yes. Water exposure is the primary cause of outer ear infections (swimmer's ear). Moisture in the ear canal softens the skin and allows bacteria to grow. To prevent swimmer's ear, Dr. Akers recommends tilting your head to drain water after swimming, using a dry towel or hair dryer on a low setting, and avoiding inserting objects into the ear canal.
Dr. Akers refers to an ENT when ear infections are recurrent (three or more in a year), when there is significant hearing loss, when the eardrum has perforated, or when an infection does not respond to standard antibiotic treatment. She coordinates these referrals and ensures your care continues without interruption.