Ear infections are very common, especially in young children. MedlinePlus reports that three out of four children have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can get them too. Urgent Care Center of Westmont, also known as Immediate Care Center of Westmont, examines ears and treats ear pain. Our team is led by board-certified physicians.
Many ear infections get better on their own, but some need treatment. Walk in or check in online at our Westmont, IL clinic for an exam.
Middle ear infection (otitis media) happens when fluid and germs build up behind the eardrum, often after a cold. Outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear) affects the ear canal.
The CDC lists these middle ear infection symptoms:
Other signs can include fluid draining from the ear, trouble hearing and balance problems.
Your clinician asks about symptoms and looks inside the ear with an otoscope, a lighted instrument, to check the eardrum and look for fluid or pus behind it.
The CDC explains that the body can often clear a middle ear infection on its own. For mild cases, your clinician may suggest watchful waiting for 2 to 3 days with pain relief and comfort care. For more severe infections, or if symptoms do not improve, your clinician will explain a treatment plan. If earwax is blocking the view, our ear wax removal service may help.
Per the CDC, contact a clinician if there is:
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for a stiff neck with fever, severe headache, confusion, swelling or redness behind the ear, or a child who is very hard to wake.
Parents and adults come to us for ear care from Clarendon Hills, IL, Oak Brook, IL, Willowbrook, IL, Western Springs, IL and Downers Grove, IL. Clarendon Hills is about 1 miles east of our Cass Ave clinic (straight-line). Both Westmont, IL clinics are open Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM and Sat–Sun 9 AM–5 PM.
We accept most major plans, such as Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare, Meridian, Multiplan/PHCS and ACPN. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your plan. See the full list on our cost and insurance page. Paying yourself? Our self-pay urgent care has flat, upfront pricing, with general visits from $125.
No. The CDC says many middle ear infections clear up on their own. Your clinician will explain whether watchful waiting or another treatment fits your case.
Yes, though they are more common in children.
Ear infections are very common in young children. If they keep coming back, talk with your child’s doctor. MedlinePlus notes some children with repeat infections need ear tubes.
No. Walk in or check in online before you arrive.
Sources: CDC: Ear Infection Basics, MedlinePlus: Ear Infections.
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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