How to prepare for a video visit about Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)

Audience: adult

Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection or irritation of the outer ear canal. It often happens when water stays trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing, causing bacteria or fungi to grow. Symptoms may include ear pain, itching, redness, swelling, and sometimes discharge. Preparing for a video visit about swimmer’s ear can help you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and may look inside your ear using a camera or ask you to show the ear canal if possible. They can suggest treatments like ear drops or advice to keep your ear dry and clean. However, some situations need in-person care, such as severe pain, hearing loss, or signs of spreading infection. This guide explains how to prepare for your video visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do for swimmer’s ear, and when to seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ear pain that worsens or does not improve with treatment — seek in-person medical care promptly.
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ear, or dizziness — these may indicate more serious problems requiring urgent evaluation.
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the ear or face, or fever above 38°C (100.4°F) — signs of spreading infection needing immediate attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Evaluating mild to moderate ear pain and symptoms consistent with swimmer’s ear.
• Providing advice on symptom management and ear care at home.
• Prescribing common treatments such as ear drops when appropriate.
• Answering questions about prevention and when to seek further care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed ear examinations with specialized instruments.
• Diagnosing severe infections or complications like abscesses or cellulitis.
• Managing cases with hearing loss, dizziness, or systemic symptoms like high fever.
• Providing emergency care for rapidly worsening symptoms or severe pain.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s ear is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, the tube that runs from the outside of your ear to your eardrum. It often happens when water stays trapped in the ear, creating a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow. Common causes include swimming, bathing, or inserting objects into the ear. Symptoms typically include ear pain, itching, redness, swelling, and sometimes fluid drainage. It is important to treat swimmer’s ear early to prevent complications.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, your healthcare provider can ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show your ear using your device’s camera if possible. Based on this information, they can often recommend treatments such as prescription or over-the-counter ear drops, pain relief methods, and advice on keeping your ear dry. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to get care without traveling, especially if your symptoms are mild to moderate.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine has limitations for swimmer’s ear. Providers cannot perform a full ear exam with specialized tools or take ear swabs for testing. If your symptoms are severe, worsening, or if you have hearing loss, fever, or swelling around the ear, you may need an in-person visit for a thorough exam and possibly more advanced treatments. Emergency situations require immediate in-person care.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To get ready for your telemedicine appointment:

After Your Video Visit

Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Ensure your device (phone, tablet, or computer) is fully charged and connected to the internet.
• Have your medical history and list of current medications ready.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset, severity, and any treatments tried.
• If possible, have someone assist you in positioning the camera to show your ear canal.
• Note any allergies or previous ear problems to share with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Use prescribed ear drops or medications exactly as directed.
• Keep your ear dry; avoid swimming or inserting objects into the ear canal.
• Monitor your symptoms daily for improvement or worsening.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if recommended by your provider.
• Seek immediate in-person care if you notice red flags such as severe pain, hearing loss, or swelling around the ear.

FAQs

Can I use home remedies to treat swimmer’s ear?

Some home remedies like keeping the ear dry and avoiding inserting objects can help. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before using any drops or treatments to avoid worsening the condition.

How long does swimmer’s ear usually take to heal?

With proper treatment, swimmer’s ear often improves within a few days to a week. If symptoms persist longer or worsen, seek further medical advice.

Is swimmer’s ear contagious?

Swimmer’s ear is not contagious. It is caused by irritation or infection inside your own ear canal, not by spreading from person to person.

Can I swim again after having swimmer’s ear?

It’s best to avoid swimming until your ear has fully healed. When you return to swimming, using ear plugs and drying your ears thoroughly can help prevent recurrence.

When should I see a doctor in person?

See a doctor in person if you have severe pain, hearing loss, fever, swelling around the ear, or if symptoms do not improve with treatment. These signs may indicate a more serious infection.

Sources

1. Otitis Externa — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Otitis Externa — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, seek in-person medical evaluation promptly.