How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Ear Pulling (Child)

Audience: pediatric

Ear pulling in children can be a sign of discomfort or an underlying ear problem such as infection or irritation. Preparing for a telemedicine visit can help you share important information with the healthcare provider and get the best advice for your child's care. Telemedicine can often help assess symptoms, provide guidance, and suggest treatments or when to seek in-person care. However, some situations require urgent medical attention in person. This guide explains how to prepare for the visit, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has a high fever (above 38.5°C or 101.3°F) with ear pulling — seek immediate in-person care.
• Presence of fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear — urgent medical evaluation needed.
• Child shows signs of severe pain, swelling around the ear, or difficulty hearing — go to a healthcare facility promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment and history taking for ear pulling.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about common causes and treatments.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical ear examination or hearing tests.
• Diagnosing conditions that require specialized equipment.
• Treating severe infections or complications needing urgent care.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

During the telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when the ear pulling started, any pain, fever, or other signs like irritability. You may be asked to show the child's ears using the camera if possible. The provider will use this information to suggest possible causes and next steps. They may recommend home care, medications, or an in-person exam if needed.

How to Prepare for the Visit

Prepare a quiet, well-lit space for the video call. Have your child's medical history ready, including any allergies or current medications. Note the timing and details of the ear pulling and any other symptoms like fever or hearing changes. Have a list of questions or concerns to discuss. Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate

Telemedicine can often help with initial assessment of ear pulling, mild symptoms, and guidance on home care. It is useful for follow-up questions or monitoring symptoms. It can also help decide if your child needs to see a healthcare provider in person.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe ear pain, high fever, swelling around the ear, fluid or pus draining from the ear, difficulty hearing, or if symptoms worsen or do not improve, an in-person exam is important. Some conditions require physical examination, hearing tests, or treatments that cannot be done remotely.

Tips for Communicating During the Visit

Speak clearly and describe your child's symptoms in detail. Show the child's ears on camera if possible. Be honest about any home treatments tried. Ask for clarification if you do not understand instructions. Take notes during the visit for reference.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area for the video call.
• Charge your device and ensure a stable internet connection.
• Have your child's medical history and medication list ready.
• Note the timing, frequency, and details of ear pulling and other symptoms.
• Prepare any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a flashlight or phone light ready to help show the child's ears if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care or medications.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if red flags appear.
• Keep a record of symptoms and treatments for follow-up visits.
• Contact healthcare immediately if emergency signs develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my child's ear pulling?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it cannot replace a physical ear exam needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if my child’s symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If symptoms worsen, especially with fever, pain, or ear discharge, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Is it safe to give my child pain medicine before the telemedicine visit?

You can usually give age-appropriate pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, but inform the healthcare provider about any medications given.

How can I help the provider see my child’s ear during the video call?

Use a flashlight or phone light to illuminate the ear. Gently hold your child still and position the camera close to the ear without touching it.

When should I call emergency services for my child’s ear problem?

Call emergency services if your child has difficulty breathing, severe swelling around the ear or face, unresponsiveness, or seizures.

Sources

1. Ear Infection in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Otitis Media — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Ear Pain (Otalgia) in Children — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

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 emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention in person.