How to prepare for a video visit about Ear Infection (Otitis Media) - Triage

Audience: adult

Ear infections, also called otitis media, are common and can cause ear pain, fever, and difficulty hearing. Preparing for a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get the best advice and care. During the visit, the provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may guide you on how to check your ear. While telemedicine can help assess many symptoms and suggest treatments, some situations may require in-person care. This guide will help you know what information to have ready, what signs to watch for that need urgent attention, and what to expect after your visit. Remember, this information is educational and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ear pain that does not improve with pain relievers — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever above 39°C (102°F) lasting more than 2 days — contact healthcare immediately.
• Sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or swelling around the ear — go to emergency care promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of common ear infection symptoms such as mild to moderate ear pain and fever.
• Providing advice on symptom management and when to seek in-person care.
• Prescribing medications when appropriate based on history and symptoms.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical ear examination with instruments like an otoscope.
• Diagnosing complicated infections or complications such as abscess or mastoiditis.
• Treating severe symptoms requiring urgent or emergency interventions.

What is an Ear Infection (Otitis Media)?

An ear infection occurs when the middle ear, the space behind the eardrum, becomes inflamed or infected. It often causes ear pain, fullness, or hearing problems. Infections may be caused by viruses or bacteria and can affect people of all ages.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, such as pain, fever, or hearing changes. They may guide you to describe or show your ear if possible. Telemedicine can help decide if you need medicine or further tests and can offer advice on managing symptoms at home.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your visit, find a quiet place with good lighting. Have a list of your symptoms, when they started, and any medicines you are taking. If possible, have a family member help you with the video call. Prepare to describe your pain, fever, or any other symptoms clearly.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If you experience severe ear pain, high fever, swelling around the ear, sudden hearing loss, or dizziness, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious infection or complication.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the advice and treatment plan given by your provider. This may include taking medicines, managing pain with safe methods, and monitoring your symptoms. If symptoms worsen or new signs develop, contact your healthcare provider again or seek emergency care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Have your device (phone, tablet, or computer) charged and ready with a stable internet connection.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Gather information about any medicines you are currently taking.
• Have a family member or friend nearby to assist if needed during the call.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Take any prescribed medications as directed.
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if recommended and safe for you.
• Monitor your symptoms closely for any worsening or new red flags.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if your symptoms do not improve as expected or worsen.

FAQs

Can my healthcare provider see inside my ear during a video visit?

Typically, healthcare providers cannot perform a physical ear exam through video. They rely on your description of symptoms and visible signs. In some cases, they may guide you to show the outer ear, but the inside of the ear requires special tools for proper examination.

What should I do if my ear pain gets worse after the video visit?

If your ear pain worsens, especially with high fever, swelling, or hearing loss, seek in-person medical care promptly. Contact your healthcare provider for advice or go to an emergency facility if symptoms are severe.

Are antibiotics always needed for an ear infection?

Not always. Many ear infections improve without antibiotics, especially if caused by viruses. Your healthcare provider will decide if antibiotics are necessary based on your symptoms and risk factors.

Can I use home remedies for ear infections?

Some home remedies like warm compresses or over-the-counter pain relievers may help ease symptoms. However, avoid inserting anything into the ear canal and always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations.

How long does it usually take to recover from an ear infection?

Ear infections often improve within a few days to a week with proper care. If symptoms persist longer or worsen, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Sources

1. Ear Infection (Otitis Media) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Otitis Media — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Ear Infection (Middle Ear) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Otitis Media — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.