Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) diagnosis
and treatment NYC
- SAME day Appt - Evenings - Saturdays.
- Accept most insurances.
- Discount for uninsured ($90).
- Board Certified Doctor.
- Convenient Manhattan Location
*Care provided for 18 years of age and older
Recent Patient Comments
I didn’t know I was suffering from an outer ear infection, all I knew was that my ear was hurting a lot. Dr. F was real nice and explained exactly what it was that was going on in my ear and then he prescribed me medicine that cleared it up in just a few days. I don’t know what I would have done without him. You’re in good ears, er… hands at Walk In Clinic of New York!
-Silvia T.
We accept most insurances
- 1199
- Admin. Concepts
- Aetna
- Aftra Health Fund
- AliCare
- Allied Benefit
- Allstate
- Amalgamated Life
- Ameriben
- Anthem
- Assurant
- Atlantis
- Beech Street
- Benefit Concepts
- Blue Cross
- Can Assistance
- CareFirst
- CD PHP
- Celtic
- Cigna
- CISI
- Companion Life
- Consolidated
- Coventry
- Delta Health
- EBS-RMSCO
- Emblem Health
- Empire Plan
- Fallon
- First health
- FreeLancers
- Frontier International
- GEHA
- GHI
- GHMSI
- Gilsbar
- Global Excel
- Golden Rule
- Great West
- Guardian
- Harrington Health
- Hartford
- HCC medical
- Health Choice
- Health Equity
- Health plan Admin.
- Healthnet
- HPHC
- IMG
FAQs
- What is an outer ear infection?
- What are the symptoms of an outer ear infection?
- What causes outer ear infections?
- How long will my outer ear infection last?
- What can I do myself for outer ear infections?
- Are there any home remedies I can try for an outer ear infection while I am waiting to be seen by the doctor?
- What should I do if I think I have an outer ear infection?
- What sort of examination will the doctor do for an outer ear infection?
- What is the treatment for outer ear infections?
- How can I avoid outer ear infections in the future?
What is an outer ear infection?
In an outer ear infection there is inflammation of the skin of the ear canal and outer ear. Often contracted after swimming, it is sometimes known as ‘swimmer’s ear’.
What are the symptoms of an outer ear infection?
The main symptom of an outer ear infection is pain. There may also be itching and a discharge from the ear.
What causes outer ear infections?
Outer ear infections can be caused by bacteria or fungi, but can also be associated with eczema. Outer ear infections can arise due to trying to clean the ear with fingers or implements, and can also result from swimming in polluted water.
How long will my outer ear infection last?
Once treatment is sought, the infection should clear up within 5-7 days.
What can I do myself for outer ear infections?
Don’t wash your hair for a few days or put anything into your ears. Try one of the home remedies mentioned below.
Are there any home remedies I can try for an outer ear infection while I am waiting to be seen by the doctor?
You can mix together equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol and put a couple of drops into the ear with a dropper, or ask a pharmacist for a recommendation for over-the-counter ear drops. If the condition doesn’t clear up within a couple of days, come to see our doctor at the walk-in clinic. Details are below.
What should I do if I think I have an outer ear infection?
You can drop in at our walk-in clinic at 274 Madison Ave (between 39-40 Streets) Suite #304, New York, NY 10016, or call us on (212) 696 5900 for an appointment.
What sort of examination will the doctor do for an outer ear infection?
For outer ear infections the doctor will examine your ear and may use an instrument called an otoscope if the ear canal is not narrowed due to the presence of debris, drainage or inflammation.
What is the treatment for outer ear infections?
The usual treatment is ear drops containing either antibiotics or anti-fungal medication. If the ear canal is blocked due to inflammation or debris, the doctor may insert an ear wick made of cotton wool saturated with medication into the ear.
How can I avoid outer ear infections in the future?
- Do not use cotton buds to clean your ears.
- Avoid using fingers to clean your ears.
- Try to prevent water entering your ears when taking a shower or swimming.
- If you feel water in your ear, tip your head so that the water can drain out.
- Avoid jumping into ponds, lakes, rivers, oceans or pools which have polluted water.