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

Audience: pediatric

Swimmer’s Ear, also called Otitis Externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal that often happens after water exposure. It can cause ear pain, redness, and sometimes drainage. Preparing for a video visit about your child's Swimmer’s Ear can help the healthcare provider understand the problem better and offer the right advice. During the visit, you may be asked about symptoms, how long they have lasted, and any treatments tried. You might also be asked to show the ear using the camera if possible. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to get guidance quickly, but some cases need in-person care. This guide will help you get ready for the video visit, know when to seek urgent care, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for Swimmer’s Ear in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ear pain that does not improve or worsens — seek urgent medical care.
• Fever higher than 38°C (100.4°F) in your child — get prompt evaluation.
• Swelling or redness spreading around the ear or face — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Review of symptoms and medical history related to Swimmer’s Ear.
• Visual assessment of the outer ear canal if camera quality allows.
• Advice on home care and pain management.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical ear exam with medical instruments.
• Taking ear swabs or cultures.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person assessment.
• Managing severe infections or complications requiring urgent care.

What is Swimmer’s Ear?

Swimmer’s Ear is an infection of the skin lining the ear canal. It often happens when water stays in the ear after swimming or bathing, making the ear canal moist and allowing germs to grow. Symptoms usually include ear pain, itching, redness, swelling, and sometimes fluid draining from the ear. It can affect children of all ages.

How to prepare for the video visit

Before the video visit, gather information about your child’s symptoms such as when they started, how severe the pain is, and if there is any discharge. Have a quiet, well-lit space ready so the healthcare provider can see your child’s ear clearly if needed. Keep a list of any medications or treatments you have already tried. Write down any questions you want to ask.

What to expect during the video visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to show the ear using the camera to check for signs of infection. Based on this, they will offer advice on care, possible treatments, and whether your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person.

When to seek urgent in-person care

If your child has severe ear pain, fever, swelling around the ear or face, hearing loss, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. These signs may indicate a more serious infection.

Tips for ear care at home

Keep your child’s ear dry during treatment. Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear canal. Follow any treatment instructions given by the healthcare provider carefully. Use pain relief methods such as age-appropriate pain medicine if recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit room for the video visit.
• Have your child’s symptoms timeline and details ready.
• Prepare to show your child’s ear on camera if possible.
• List any medications or treatments your child has used.
• Write down questions or concerns to discuss with the provider.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment.
• Keep the child’s ear dry and avoid inserting objects into the ear.
• Monitor symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Use recommended pain relief as advised.
• Schedule follow-up care if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate care if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can Swimmer’s Ear be treated through a video visit?

Telemedicine can often help guide treatment for mild cases of Swimmer’s Ear by reviewing symptoms and advising on home care. However, some cases may need an in-person exam for proper treatment.

How can I help my child’s ear feel better at home?

Keep the ear dry, avoid putting anything into the ear canal, and use age-appropriate pain relief if recommended. Follow any treatment instructions given by your healthcare provider.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has severe pain, fever, swelling around the ear or face, hearing loss, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Is it safe to use ear drops for Swimmer’s Ear?

Ear drops are often used to treat Swimmer’s Ear, but they should only be used if recommended by a healthcare provider. Some ear drops are not safe if the eardrum is damaged.

Can Swimmer’s Ear happen without swimming?

Yes, Swimmer’s Ear can occur from any situation that keeps the ear canal moist or causes irritation, such as bathing or sweating.

Sources

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

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment.