Ear Infections

hand holding smartphone and small child in telemedicine conversation

Online Treatment for Ear Infections*

Whether you’re dealing with sharp pain, difficulty hearing, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, Doctor On Demand® gives you access to convenient telehealth for ear infections. Say goodbye to long wait times and commuting to the doctor’s office—you have quality virtual care from anywhere. Your visit could be $0 depending on your insurance or employer benefits.

For: All ages (Under 18 with parental consent)

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Mom and sick child on couch using Doctor On Demand.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection is an irritation and swelling of the ear. There are different types of infections, including outer (acute otitis externa) and middle (acute otitis media) ear infections.

Ear pain
Trouble hearing
Drainage of fluid from the ear
Loss of appetite
Loss of balance
Fever
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Fussiness
Tugging of the ear

Bacteria and viruses travel into your middle ear through the eustachian tube, causing it to swell. Normally, this tube drains fluid from the middle ear to the back of the throat. If it’s blocked, fluid backs up, which can lead to an infection.

An outer ear infection, commonly known as swimmer’s ear, is caused by bacteria or fungi that enter the ear canal and multiply. This occurs when water is trapped in the ear canal, providing a moist environment for bacteria or fungi to grow.

We’ll ask about your symptoms and medical history.
If you have a digital otoscope, we’ll assess the inside of the ear. If you do not have one available, we may recommend visiting an in-person provider for an accurate diagnosis.
We’ll create a treatment plan and advise on how to manage symptoms.
We’ll prescribe antibiotics to be taken orally or to be inserted into the ear, if necessary.

mom with child on virtual call with doctor

Effective online treatment for an ear infection

Telehealth treatment for an ear infection typically involves pain management and/or prescription antibiotics to be taken orally or to be inserted into the ear. The goal is to help the ear infection resolve itself or in some cases, kill the bacteria that caused the infection.

The treatment for an ear infection depends on the cause and severity. If a bacterial infection is suspected, a healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics such as:

Amoxicillin – First-line antibiotic for bacterial ear infections.
Augmentin (Amoxicillin-Clavulanate) – Used if the infection is resistant to standard amoxicillin.
Cefdinir or Cefpodoxime – Alternatives for those allergic to penicillin.
Azithromycin or Clarithromycin – Used in cases of severe penicillin allergy.
Antibiotics drops for "swimmer's ear" or otitis externa (Cortisporin or Ciprofloxacin)

For symptom relief, providers may also recommend:

Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen – To reduce pain and fever.
Antipyrine-Benzocaine Ear Drops – To help with ear pain (not for ruptured eardrums).
Decongestants or Antihistamines – If congestion or allergies contribute to ear discomfort.

If the infection is viral, antibiotics may not be necessary, and supportive care like pain relievers and fluids is recommended. Always consult a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment for your specific case.

Use a warm compress over the ear to help relieve the pain.
Take over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Avoid cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs.
Avoid getting water in the ear while you have an infection.

Get Online Ear Infection Treatment Today

Online ear infection treatment costs as low as $0

An online doctor visit for Ear Infection Treatment Online costs between $0–$99 depending on your coverage.

Covered by insurance? You may pay $0—Doctor On Demand is a covered benefit for over 98 million Americans.
No insurance? Visits start at just $99 per session.

Get treated for your ear infection now

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Easy steps to get virtual ear infection treatment

Create your account – Sign up and add insurance details for accurate pricing.

Schedule your visit – Choose a time that works for you.

Connect with a provider – Join a secure video consultation.

Receive treatment – Get professional recommendations, prescriptions (if needed), and follow-up care.

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"Both clinics in our small town were closed or not accepting walk-ins today, so I used this app to see a provider for my son’s ear infection. So quick, easy & convenient! I didn't have to drive my sick boy several miles to see a doctor where we would’ve had to wait for hours, and I’m so grateful! Thank you!"

—Doctor On Demand Patient

"Very fast! No need to go into the doctor’s office and risk exposure to other illnesses when I only had a simple ear infection. The doctor was very thorough in answering my questions and explaining treatment.”

—Doctor On Demand Patient

"I have a long history with ear infections, and this is the first time I haven't had to take 2 or more hours out of my schedule to deal with it. RX was sent directly to my pharmacy after chatting for 5 minutes and explaining my condition and history. I can't recommend this service enough!"

—Doctor On Demand Patient

Common questions you may have about online ear infections

Yes, you can book a telehealth visit for an ear infection using Doctor On Demand. Consulting with a doctor online involves discussing your symptoms, medical history, and visually assessing the ear with a digital otoscope. Since our providers can not see inside your ear canal, we may recommend visiting an in-person provider.

No, ear infections are not contagious. However, the bacteria or virus that causes the infection can be, if it is spread through sneezing, coughing, or close contact with an infected person.

Common colds, the flu, sinus infections, and allergies can cause swelling or blockage of the eustachian tubes. Environmental factors like exposure to smoke, changes in air pressure, or swimming in polluted water can also trigger an ear infection.

Washing your hands frequently, getting your flu vaccination yearly, and managing your allergies with antihistamines are some of the steps you can take to prevent an ear infection. Keeping your ears dry, limiting ear wax removal with cotton swabs, and monitoring early symptoms of an infection can also help.

While most ear infections resolve on their own within a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention when you have persistent ear pain that worsens over time, a fever of 100°F or higher, hearing loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or a ruptured eardrum. Children with weakened immune systems should see a doctor promptly to avoid further complications. See a doctor for your ear infection using Doctor On Demand in minutes.

Get Online Ear Infection Treatment Today

Learn more about ear infections

Online Treatment for Ear Infections*

What is an ear infection?

Effective online treatment for an ear infection

Easy steps to get virtual ear infection treatment

Get the Doctor On Demand telehealth app

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