fsaHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
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fsaNow accepting insurance
fsaHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
fsaSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
Excellent
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based on 0 reviews
fsaNow accepting insurance

Same-day ear infection treatment online

If ear pain, muffled hearing, or discharge are disrupting your day, connect with licensed providers for same-day online appointments—no waiting rooms, no hidden fees.

✓ No in-person visits needed
✓ Appointments available within 24 hours
✓ Transparent, pay-per-visit pricing.

*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

a picture of ear infection

*Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

Online ear infection treatment for you and about you

You’re unique. And your needs are too. You deserve online ear infection treatment from a provider committed to you. That’s why you can find a ear infection specialist on Klarity Health and access:

Online ear infection assessment and treatment online in 24 hours*

Online ear infection assessment and treatment online in 24 hours*

From an experienced, board-certified healthcare professional.

Online ear infection medication prescribed online

Online ear infection medication prescribed online

or in-person through treatment tailored to you**

Confidential, personalized care

Confidential, personalized care

Your information is private, secure, and 100% HIPAA compliant.

*Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.

Book an appointment with the treatment of ear infection treatment

Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in the treatment of ear infection. Select your state to see available providers.

Top-rated providers available for you

Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
4.98
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
5.0
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
Specializes in Family Medicine, Mental Health
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
5.0
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
Specializes in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
4.96
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Preventive Medicine
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
5.0
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
5.0
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
Kate Graen, PA-C
4.96
Kate Graen, PA-C
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
5.0
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
Specializes in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
5.0
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
Specializes in Urgent Care, Behavioral Medicine
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
4.98
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
5.0
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
Specializes in Family Medicine, Mental Health
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
5.0
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
Specializes in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
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Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
4.96
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Preventive Medicine
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
5.0
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
5.0
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
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Kate Graen, PA-C
4.96
Kate Graen, PA-C
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
5.0
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
Specializes in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
5.0
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
Specializes in Urgent Care, Behavioral Medicine
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a picture of ear infection symptoms

Symptoms of ear infection

Ear infections (otitis media) can affect people of all ages but are especially common in children. Early recognition is key to preventing complications.

In children:

  • Ear pain, irritability, or frequent crying
  • Tugging or pulling at the ear
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fever
  • Fluid draining from the ear
  • Loss of balance
  • Hearing difficulties

In adults:

  • Ear pain
  • Drainage from the ear
  • Muffled hearing
  • Sore throat
  • Fever

If you or your child experiences these symptoms for more than a couple of days, consult a healthcare provider.

How is an ear infection diagnosed?

Diagnosing an ear infection involves a combination of symptom assessment and physical examination. Healthcare providers typically follow these steps:

  • Medical history and symptom review: The provider will ask about recent illnesses, such as colds or sore throats, along with symptoms like ear pain, fever, irritability, or hearing difficulties.
  • Otoscope examination: Using an otoscope—a device with a light and magnifying lens—the provider examines the ear canal and eardrum. Signs of infection may include redness, swelling, fluid behind the eardrum, or a bulging eardrum, which indicates pressure from fluid buildup.
  • Pneumatic otoscope: This specialized tool gently puffs air into the ear canal to test how well the eardrum moves. A healthy eardrum moves easily; limited movement suggests fluid accumulation.
  • Tympanometry: If the diagnosis is uncertain, tympanometry may be used to measure how the eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. It helps identify fluid in the middle ear, eustachian tube dysfunction, or a perforated eardrum.
  • Hearing tests: In cases of frequent infections or hearing concerns, audiometry tests may be done to assess hearing loss and the extent of middle ear involvement.

These diagnostic methods allow providers to determine the presence and severity of an ear infection and guide appropriate treatment.

a picture of a man having a ear infection diagnosis
a picture of ear infection treatment

What are ear infection treatment options?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, as well as patient-specific factors.

Mild cases (watchful waiting):

  • Observation: Many mild ear infections, especially in children over 6 months, resolve without antibiotics within 2–3 days. Providers may recommend monitoring symptoms before starting antibiotic therapy.
  • Pain management: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce pain and fever.
  • Warm compresses: Applying a warm cloth to the affected ear may provide comfort and help ease symptoms.

Moderate to severe cases:

  • Antibiotics: If symptoms persist or worsen, providers may prescribe antibiotics. Amoxicillin is often the first choice. Alternatives like amoxicillin-clavulanate or cefdinir may be used if there’s a penicillin allergy or recent antibiotic use.
  • Ear drops: For infections in the outer ear or for those with tympanostomy tubes, antibiotic ear drops, such as ciprofloxacin with dexamethasone, can be effective.
  • Surgical intervention: For chronic infections or persistent fluid buildup, tympanostomy tubes may be placed in the ear. This minor procedure helps ventilate the middle ear and prevents future infections.

Follow your provider’s instructions and complete the full course of any prescribed medication, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished.

Commonly used ear infection medications

Several medications are used to treat ear infections, depending on the type and severity. Some require a prescription from a licensed provider, while others are available over the counter.

Prescription oral antibiotics:

  • Amoxicillin – Often the first-line treatment for acute otitis media in both children and adults. A prescription is required.
  • Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) – Used when the infection doesn’t respond to amoxicillin alone or in more resistant cases. Requires a prescription.
  • Cefdinir – Commonly prescribed as an alternative for individuals with penicillin allergies. Also requires a prescription.

Prescription antibiotic ear drops:

  • Ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone (Ciprodex) – Combines an antibiotic and a steroid to reduce inflammation and infection. Often used for outer ear infections or in patients with ear tubes. Requires a prescription.
  • Ofloxacin – Typically prescribed for chronic suppurative otitis media or otitis externa. Also requires a prescription.

Over-the-counter pain relievers:

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – Available without a prescription. Helps relieve ear pain and reduce fever.
  • Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Also available over the counter. Helps reduce inflammation, fever, and pain associated with ear infections.

Always consult a licensed provider on Klarity to determine whether a medication is medically appropriate for your condition and to receive a prescription if necessary.

a picture of ear infection medications

How Klarity Health works

  1. Find a provider and book an appointment in minutes

    1. Meet your provider online for care and a prescription if needed

      1. Pick up your medication at a pharmacy if prescribed

        1. Get 24×7 ongoing support. Book a follow-up anytime

          With Klarity Health, you’re in good company

          Read through stories from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity.

          Frequently asked questions about online ear infection treatment

          *Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

          The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage.  Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.