Ear infection treatment online
Earache, a blocked feeling or itching deep in the ear? A licensed provider can help with most ear infections by video or phone – often the same day, with drops or medicine sent to your pharmacy when you need them.
- Licensed providers
- Same-day visits, usually
- Video or phone
Get started Members: request a visit
Written by the CheckMD care team · Updated
Two common kinds of ear infection
- Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) – the ear canal is itchy, red and sore, and pulling the earlobe hurts. Water, earbuds and scratching are common causes.
- Middle ear infection – pain and pressure behind the eardrum, muffled hearing, often after a cold. Very common in children, and it happens in adults too.
Many middle ear infections clear up by themselves within a few days; swimmer's ear usually needs drops to settle.
What your provider can do online
Your provider asks where the pain is, how long you have had it and what makes it worse. That usually tells which kind of infection it is.
For swimmer's ear, prescription ear drops are the usual treatment. For a middle ear infection the plan may be pain relief and watching for a couple of days, or antibiotics when they are likely to help. You also get simple advice: keep the ear dry, no cotton swabs, and when to check back.
Medicines your provider may prescribe
- Antibiotic ear drops such as ofloxacin or ciprofloxacin for swimmer's ear
- Amoxicillin for a middle ear infection when antibiotics are needed
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
Only when it is right for you: your provider checks your symptoms, allergies, other medicines and health history first. Prescriptions go to the pharmacy you choose.
What you can do at home right now
- Keep the ear dry – use a shower cap
- No cotton swabs or earbuds for now
- A warm compress over the ear can ease pain
When to have your ear examined in person
- Swelling, redness or pain behind the ear, or the ear pushed outward
- A high fever, a severe headache, a stiff neck or confusion
- Sudden hearing loss, dizziness or weakness of the face
- Pus or blood draining from the ear, or an object stuck in the ear
- No improvement after 2 to 3 days of treatment, or ear infections that keep coming back
A virtual visit is not an emergency service. For chest pain, trouble breathing, severe bleeding, signs of a stroke or a serious injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) at any time.
Get help in three steps
Request a visit
Tell us what is going on and choose video or phone.
Talk to a provider
Usually the same day, often within hours.
Start feeling better
Get your care plan and any prescription at your pharmacy.
Questions about ear infections
Can an ear infection be diagnosed without looking in the ear?
Often, yes – especially swimmer's ear, which has typical signs. If your provider needs to see the eardrum, they will tell you where to go.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not always. Many middle ear infections in adults improve within a few days. Your provider will explain whether antibiotics or drops are likely to help you.
Can I fly with an ear infection?
Flying can make ear pain worse. Ask your provider before you travel; they can suggest ways to ease the pressure.
How much does an online visit cost?
Visits are part of your CheckMD membership – one yearly price, and you don't need insurance. You pay the pharmacy for any medicine. See the current plans on our pricing page or read about telehealth without insurance.
Can I be seen today?
Most visits happen the same day. Request a visit, choose video or phone and pick the earliest time.
What if I don't get better?
Book a follow-up visit. Your provider can adjust your treatment or tell you where to be seen in person. If you get worse quickly, don't wait – get urgent care.
Feeling unwell? Talk to a provider today.
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