Ear pain has a way of ruining a trip fast, and it's one of the most common reasons families reach out to us while traveling. The good news is that many ear infections can be evaluated and treated by video, so you can start feeling better without hunting for an urgent care in an unfamiliar town.
Ear infection symptoms to watch for
Most ear infections announce themselves clearly. Common signs include:
- Deep ear pain or a sense of pressure
- Muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness
- Fluid or drainage coming from the ear
- Fever, especially in children
- Itching or burning in the ear canal
- Dizziness or trouble with balance
The two main types of ear infection
Not all ear infections are the same, and telling them apart helps guide treatment.
- Swimmer's ear (otitis externa) is an infection of the outer ear canal, usually caused by trapped water. The pain often gets worse when you tug on the outer ear, and you may notice redness, swelling, and clear or white drainage. It's especially common on beach and pool vacations.
- Middle ear infection (otitis media) develops behind the eardrum and frequently follows a cold or other respiratory infection. It tends to cause deeper pain, pressure, muffled hearing, and fever more often than swimmer's ear.
How ear infections are treated
During a virtual visit, we review your symptoms, how long they've lasted, and your history to recommend a plan. When medically appropriate, treatment may include:
- Antibiotic ear drops such as ofloxacin or ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone for swimmer's ear
- Oral antibiotics for a bacterial middle ear infection
- Pain management with over-the-counter or, when appropriate, prescription options
- Watchful waiting guidance for mild cases that may resolve on their own
Any prescriptions we send are for non-controlled medications only, sent electronically to a pharmacy near you. Our prescription price finder can show you the cash price and closest pharmacy in seconds.
Viral versus bacterial: why it matters
Viral ear infections often clear up on their own with supportive care, while bacterial infections usually respond to antibiotics. Dr. Will Carlson, board-certified in Family Medicine, and our team help sort out which is which based on your symptoms and history, so you're not taking antibiotics you don't actually need.
What to expect from treatment
Most bacterial ear infections improve noticeably within 48 to 72 hours of starting the right antibiotic, with full resolution typically in 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms aren't improving in that window, it's worth checking back in.
Ear infections in children
Ear infections are the number one reason parents reach out to us while traveling. We assess severity carefully, but children under 2 or those with high fevers may need an in-person exam to look directly at the eardrum. When that's the case, we'll tell you plainly rather than guess. You can see how a visit works on our how it works page.
When to seek emergency or in-person care
A virtual visit is great for straightforward ear infections, but some symptoms need hands-on or emergency evaluation right away.
- Fever above 103°F, or any high fever in a very young child
- Severe swelling, redness, or pain spreading behind or around the ear
- Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or facial weakness
- Stiff neck, confusion, or trouble staying awake
- Trouble breathing or signs of a severe allergic reaction
If in doubt, call 911 or go to your nearest ER. Virtual care is best for non-emergency situations.
FAQ
Can a doctor treat an ear infection online? Yes. Many ear infections, including swimmer's ear and uncomplicated middle ear infections, can be evaluated by video and treated with a prescription when medically appropriate. Very young children or complex cases may still need an in-person exam.
How long does an ear infection last? With appropriate treatment, most bacterial ear infections improve within 48 to 72 hours and resolve within 7 to 10 days. Mild cases sometimes clear on their own with supportive care.
Can telehealth prescribe antibiotics for an ear infection? Yes, when your symptoms suggest a bacterial infection. We prescribe non-controlled antibiotics only and send them electronically to your chosen pharmacy when medically appropriate.
What's the difference between swimmer's ear and a middle ear infection? Swimmer's ear affects the outer canal and hurts more when you pull on the ear, often after water exposure. A middle ear infection sits behind the eardrum, usually follows a cold, and more often comes with fever and muffled hearing.
References
- CDC — Ear Infection Basics
- MedlinePlus — Ear Infections
- Mayo Clinic — Swimmer's Ear
Need a prescription while traveling?
A board-certified physician can see you by video, same day, and send a prescription to any pharmacy near you.
This article is educational and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. A physician decides what care is appropriate for you.