What is
Ear Infection
An ear infection can affect the middle ear (otitis media), often following a cold or respiratory illness. Symptoms include ear pain, a feeling of fullness or pressure, muffled hearing, and sometimes fever or drainage from the
ear. Middle ear infections may be treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, infections can
worsen, cause temporary hearing loss, spread to surrounding structures, or lead to a ruptured eardrum. Red flags requiring immediate care include severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling behind the ear, sudden hearing loss, facial drooping, and high fever.
Common symptoms
Ear pain or a feeling of fullness
Fever or irritability
Muffled or reduced hearing
Fluid drainage from the ear
Trouble sleeping
How your visit works
You'll complete a short online assessment describing your symptoms and health history. A licensed medical provider reviews it — usually within the hour — and determines the safest, most appropriate treatment. If a prescription is appropriate, it's sent directly to your pharmacy.
When to seek in-person or emergency care instead
Seek immediate care for severe ear pain with high fever, swelling behind the ear, facial drooping, stiff neck, or persistent vomiting — these can indicate a more serious complication.
What happens next
Quick assessment: about 10 minutes, from your phone or computer.
1
Provider review: a licensed medical provider evaluates your case, usually within the hour.
2
Treatment plan: sent to your pharmacy if a prescription is appropriate, in two hours or less.
3
No insurance needed
HIPAA compliant, confidential
Full refund if we can't treat you
You might also be looking for
From sinus infections to discreet sexual-health concerns, search or browse to start the right visit.
