How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Ear Pain

Audience: pediatric

Ear pain in children is a common reason for seeking medical advice. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to consult a healthcare provider from home, especially when in-person visits are difficult. During a telemedicine visit, a provider will ask about your child's symptoms, medical history, and may guide you to show the child's ear using a camera if possible. Preparing for the visit helps make it efficient and effective. However, some ear pain cases require urgent in-person care, especially if there are signs of severe infection or hearing loss. This guide explains how to get ready for a telemedicine visit about ear pain, what to expect, and when to seek immediate help.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has a high fever (above 39°C or 102°F) with ear pain — seek urgent medical care.
• Ear pain accompanied by swelling, redness, or discharge from the ear — get immediate in-person evaluation.
• Child shows signs of hearing loss, dizziness, or severe headache along with ear pain — seek emergency care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate ear pain in children.
• Guidance on symptom management and when to seek further care.
• Review of medical history and medication advice.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe ear infections requiring physical examination or procedures.
• Cases with signs of complications like hearing loss, swelling, or discharge.
• Emergency situations needing immediate in-person treatment.

What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit for Ear Pain

During the visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when the pain started, its severity, and any other signs like fever or discharge from the ear. They may ask you to show the child's ear using the device camera if possible. The provider will use this information to decide if the child needs treatment or further examination in person.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Make sure you have a quiet, well-lit space for the visit. Have your child's medical history and a list of current medications ready. If possible, have a flashlight or a phone light to help show the inside of the ear. Write down any questions or concerns you have to discuss with the provider.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Ear Pain

Telemedicine is often suitable for mild to moderate ear pain without severe symptoms. It can help assess the need for medications or further tests. It is especially useful when travel or clinic visits are difficult.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has severe ear pain, high fever, swelling around the ear, difficulty hearing, persistent vomiting, or if the ear is bleeding or has a foul-smelling discharge, seek emergency in-person care. These signs may indicate a serious infection or complication that requires prompt treatment.

Tips for After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully. Give any prescribed medications as directed, and monitor your child's symptoms. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider or seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare a flashlight or phone light to help show the ear if requested.
• Write down your child's symptoms and any questions you want to ask.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Administer any prescribed medications as directed.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for improvement or worsening.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve or new symptoms develop.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

Can a doctor see inside my child's ear during a telemedicine visit?

Usually, doctors cannot perform a detailed ear exam through telemedicine. However, they may ask you to use a flashlight or phone light to help them see the outer ear and ear canal as much as possible. This helps guide their assessment.

What should I do if my child has ear pain and a fever?

If your child has a mild fever with ear pain, a telemedicine visit can help determine the next steps. However, if the fever is high or your child looks very unwell, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Can ear pain be treated without antibiotics?

Many ear pain cases, especially mild ones, may improve without antibiotics. The healthcare provider will advise if antibiotics or other treatments are needed based on symptoms and assessment.

Is it safe to wait and watch ear pain at home?

If the ear pain is mild and your child is otherwise well, watching at home with supportive care may be appropriate. However, if symptoms worsen or red flags appear, seek medical advice immediately.

Sources

1. Ear Infection in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Otitis Media (Ear Infection) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Ear Pain in Children: Diagnosis and Management — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Ear Pain: When to See a Doctor — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate in-person evaluation.