How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Ear Pain

Audience: adult

Ear pain can be caused by many reasons, such as infections, injuries, or other health issues. A telemedicine visit lets you talk with a healthcare provider using video or phone from your home. To get the most from your visit, prepare by noting your symptoms, any medicines you take, and questions you have. Telemedicine is often helpful for mild to moderate ear pain, but some situations need in-person care. If you have severe pain, sudden hearing loss, or other serious signs, seek urgent medical help. This guide helps you understand how to prepare for your telemedicine visit, what to expect, and when to get emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe ear pain that suddenly worsens — seek emergency care immediately.
• Sudden hearing loss or ringing in the ear — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Fluid, blood, or pus draining from the ear — visit an emergency or urgent care center promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate ear pain without severe symptoms.
• Initial evaluation of ear pain and related symptoms.
• Providing advice on symptom management and when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or worsening ear pain requiring physical examination.
• Sudden hearing loss or neurological symptoms.
• Ear trauma or suspected foreign object in the ear requiring removal.

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

During your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your ear pain, including when it started, how severe it is, and any other symptoms like fever or hearing changes. They may ask you to show your ear using your device's camera if possible. The provider will guide you through questions to understand your condition and may suggest treatments or recommend an in-person visit if needed.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection. Have a list of your symptoms, any medicines you are taking, and your medical history ready. If possible, have a flashlight or a source of light to help show your ear during the video call. Write down any questions you want to ask your provider.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Telemedicine can handle many ear pain cases, but some signs mean you need urgent in-person care. These include sudden severe ear pain, high fever, fluid or blood draining from the ear, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or weakness on one side of your face. If you experience any of these, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

Common Causes of Ear Pain

Ear pain may be caused by ear infections, wax buildup, injury, or referred pain from the throat or teeth. Understanding the cause helps your provider suggest the right care. Mild infections or irritation may be treated at home or via telemedicine, while more serious infections might need physical examination or tests.

Tips for After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan your provider gives you, including taking medicines as directed. Watch for any new or worsening symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, schedule a follow-up visit or seek in-person care. Keep notes on your progress to share with your healthcare provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and their severity.
• Prepare a list of current medications and any allergies.
• Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a flashlight or a light source ready to help show your ear if asked during the video call.
• Ensure your device is charged and the telemedicine app or platform is working.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and medication instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if symptoms persist or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if you develop red flag symptoms such as severe pain, hearing loss, or ear discharge.
• Keep a record of your symptoms and treatments to share with your provider if needed.

FAQs

Can a doctor see inside my ear during a telemedicine visit?

Most telemedicine visits do not allow the doctor to look inside your ear directly. However, your provider may ask you to use a flashlight and camera to show the outside of your ear. For detailed ear examination, an in-person visit is often necessary.

Is it safe to use home remedies for ear pain?

Some home remedies like warm compresses may help ease mild ear pain. Avoid inserting objects or liquids into your ear unless advised by a healthcare provider. Always check with your provider during your telemedicine visit before trying new treatments.

When should I go to the emergency room for ear pain?

Go to the emergency room if you have severe ear pain, sudden hearing loss, fluid or blood draining from your ear, dizziness, or weakness on one side of your face. These signs may indicate a serious condition needing urgent care.

Can children use telemedicine for ear pain?

Telemedicine can be useful for children with mild ear pain, but parents should be alert for red flags like high fever, severe pain, or behavioral changes. In such cases, in-person evaluation is important.

Will the doctor prescribe antibiotics during a telemedicine visit?

The provider may prescribe antibiotics if they suspect a bacterial infection based on your symptoms. However, many ear infections improve without antibiotics. Your provider will guide you on the best treatment.

Sources

1. Ear Infection — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Ear Pain: Causes and Treatments — Mayo Clinic.
3. Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telehealth: What to Expect — National Library of Medicine.

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