Adult Ear Pain Treatment (Earache)
Fast MD-only ear pain care for adults in Georgia by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Ear pain can come from several causes, including swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), pressure behind the eardrum from a viral cold, jaw or dental problems, and less commonly a middle ear infection. TeleDirectMD MDs use a structured, guideline-based history to identify when ear symptoms are appropriate for telehealth treatment versus when you need an in-person ear exam.
- $49 flat-fee visit, no hidden costs
- MD-only care, no mid-level providers
- No insurance required or accepted
- Available for adults in Georgia (and 25+ states)
- Secure, encrypted video visits from home
Online Ear Pain Care by Georgia-Licensed MDs
- Typical visit length: 10–15 minutes
- Telehealth works best for swimmer’s ear and pressure-related symptoms
- Clear red-flag screening for serious infection
- No urgent care waiting room or exposure
For adults only (18+). You must be physically located in Georgia at the time of your video visit. We do not prescribe controlled substances or chronic pain medications.
What Causes Ear Pain in Adults?
Ear pain (otalgia) can originate from the ear itself or be referred from nearby structures such as the jaw, throat, or teeth. Two common ear-related causes are swimmer’s ear (otitis externa), which is inflammation or infection of the ear canal, and pressure behind the eardrum (Eustachian tube dysfunction) that often follows a viral upper respiratory infection.
A true middle ear infection (acute otitis media) is less common in adults than in children and usually requires an in-person ear exam to confirm. Because antibiotics should be used only when they are clearly indicated, TeleDirectMD prioritizes careful red-flag screening and clear criteria for when to pursue in-person evaluation and ear examination.
TeleDirectMD focuses on prompt, evidence-based care for adult ear pain that is appropriate for virtual management, and we direct you to urgent in-person care when symptoms suggest a serious infection, complications, or an alternative diagnosis.
Common Ear Pain Symptoms and Red Flags
During your visit, the MD will review your symptoms, recent illnesses, water exposure, hearing changes, and risk factors such as diabetes or immunosuppression to decide whether telehealth treatment is safe.
| Symptom | What It Suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ear canal pain or tenderness, worse when the outer ear is pulled | Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) | Often yes, if mild to moderate and no high-risk conditions | Severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or diabetes with severe symptoms |
| Itching, fullness, mild drainage from ear canal | Ear canal inflammation, otitis externa | Often yes | Copious pus, significant swelling closing the canal, or severe pain |
| Ear pressure or popping after a cold or allergies | Eustachian tube dysfunction | Yes, usually supportive care | Severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, or neurologic symptoms |
| Sudden hearing loss in one ear | Possible sudden sensorineural hearing loss or obstruction | No | Same-day urgent evaluation recommended |
| High fever, severe ear pain, or feeling very ill | Possible serious bacterial infection or complication | No | Urgent care or ER evaluation recommended |
| Severe pain with facial weakness, dizziness, or severe headache | Possible complication requiring urgent evaluation | No | ER evaluation recommended |
| Pain behind the ear with swelling or the ear sticking out | Possible mastoiditis or complication | No | Urgent in-person or ER evaluation recommended |
| Ear pain with jaw pain or tooth pain | TMJ dysfunction or dental source of referred pain | Maybe, depends on severity | Facial swelling, inability to open mouth, or severe dental pain with fever |
| Ear pain in a patient with diabetes or severe immunosuppression | Higher-risk infection, including malignant otitis externa | Often no | Urgent in-person evaluation recommended |
| Foreign body or insect in ear | Obstruction requiring removal | No | Urgent care for removal |
Conditions That Can Mimic an Ear Infection
Ear pain does not always mean an ear infection. TeleDirectMD screens for common alternatives so you get the right care.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Pressure and popping after a viral cold or allergies.
- TMJ dysfunction: Jaw pain, clicking, or pain with chewing.
- Dental infection: Tooth pain, gum swelling, or facial swelling that refers pain to the ear.
- Sore throat or tonsil inflammation: Throat infections can refer pain to the ear.
- Earwax impaction: Fullness and reduced hearing without infection.
- Neuralgia: Nerve-related facial pain that may be felt near the ear.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate vs. When to Go In-Person
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with mild to moderate ear pain or pressure
- Symptoms consistent with swimmer’s ear or pressure after a cold
- No high fever, severe headache, or neurologic symptoms
- No diabetes with severe ear pain and no severe immunosuppression
- No sudden hearing loss
- No swelling behind the ear and no concern for complication
- Able to drink fluids and take oral medications
- Physically located in Georgia at the time of the video visit
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- High fever, severe worsening pain, or feeling very ill
- Sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, or facial weakness
- Swelling or pain behind the ear, ear protrusion, or severe headache
- Diabetes with severe ear pain or immunosuppression with severe symptoms
- Copious pus, severe canal swelling, or inability to tolerate touch
- Foreign body or insect in the ear
- Symptoms not improving within 48–72 hours of treatment plan
Treatment Options for Adult Ear Pain
Treatment depends on the most likely cause. TeleDirectMD prioritizes antibiotic stewardship by using antibiotics only when the history strongly supports a bacterial infection and telehealth management is safe.
Supportive Care
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain (if safe for you)
- Warm compress applied to the outer ear for comfort
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs or objects into the ear canal
- Keep the ear dry if swimmer’s ear is suspected
When Drops Are Used (Swimmer’s Ear)
For symptoms consistent with otitis externa, prescription ear drops are often first-line. If a perforated eardrum is possible or the status is uncertain, your MD may choose an ear drop that is safer for that scenario.
When Antibiotics by Mouth Are Not the Best First Step
A suspected middle ear infection in an adult often requires an in-person ear exam to confirm. If your symptoms suggest a middle ear infection, a complication, or an alternative diagnosis, we will recommend in-person evaluation rather than starting antibiotics without an exam.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofloxacin otic 0.3% | 10 drops in affected ear once daily | 7 days | Otitis externa, especially when eardrum status is uncertain |
| Ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic 0.3%/0.1% | 4 drops in affected ear twice daily | 7 days | Otitis externa with significant inflammation |
| Acetic acid otic 2% | 5 drops in affected ear 4 times daily | 5–7 days | Mild otitis externa or prevention guidance when appropriate |
| Fluticasone nasal spray | 2 sprays per nostril once daily | 14 days | Eustachian tube dysfunction with nasal congestion or allergic symptoms |
| Cetirizine | 10 mg by mouth once daily | 14 days | Allergic component contributing to ear pressure |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances. If symptoms suggest a serious infection, complication, or a condition that requires an ear exam, we will direct you to in-person care.
Home Care, Recovery, and Return to Work
Many adults with swimmer’s ear begin to improve within 24–48 hours after starting appropriate ear drops, though full relief can take several days. Pressure-related ear symptoms after a cold often improve gradually over 1–2 weeks.
- Use medications exactly as prescribed and complete the full course.
- Keep the affected ear dry while symptoms are active.
- Do not insert cotton swabs or objects into the ear canal.
- If congestion is present, consider saline rinses and the supportive measures discussed during your visit.
Most people can work as tolerated if they feel well and do not have high fever, severe dizziness, or severe pain. TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note when medically appropriate as part of your $49 visit.
Seek urgent in-person care if you develop high fever, worsening severe pain, swelling behind the ear, sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, or if you are not improving within 48–72 hours.
What to Expect From Your TeleDirectMD Visit
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only virtual urgent care by secure video. Visits last about 10–15 minutes and cost $49 as a flat cash fee with no insurance involvement. During your ear pain visit, the MD will review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and red flags to decide whether telehealth treatment is safe.
If your symptoms fit a telehealth-appropriate pattern such as swimmer’s ear or pressure-related symptoms after a viral illness, we can send an electronic prescription to your preferred local pharmacy in Georgia when appropriate. If you need an in-person ear exam, testing, or urgent evaluation instead, we will explain why and guide you on the safest next step.
We do not prescribe controlled substances, long-term pain medications, or complex ENT regimens by telehealth.
Ear Pain Treatment FAQ
Can ear pain be treated safely online?
Sometimes. Telehealth works best for adult ear pain that fits a clear, low-risk pattern such as swimmer’s ear or pressure-related symptoms after a viral cold. TeleDirectMD screens for red flags that suggest a serious infection or complication, and we recommend in-person evaluation when an ear exam is needed.
How do you tell if it is swimmer’s ear versus a middle ear infection?
Swimmer’s ear often causes ear canal pain and tenderness, sometimes worse when the outer ear is moved, and may be associated with water exposure or itching. A middle ear infection often needs an in-person ear exam to confirm because the eardrum must be visualized to make the diagnosis.
Do I need antibiotics for ear pain?
Not always. Many cases are related to pressure after a cold, allergies, or non-ear sources such as TMJ or dental issues. When swimmer’s ear is suspected, antibiotic ear drops may be appropriate. TeleDirectMD uses antibiotic stewardship principles and recommends in-person evaluation when antibiotics by mouth might be needed.
Which ear drops are commonly used for swimmer’s ear?
TeleDirectMD may prescribe drops such as ofloxacin otic or ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone otic when otitis externa is suspected, adjusting the plan for your history and for safety considerations such as uncertainty about the eardrum.
What should I do if I have ear pressure after a cold?
Ear pressure after a viral illness is often Eustachian tube dysfunction and usually improves over time. Supportive options may include saline rinses, nasal steroid spray, and allergy treatment when appropriate. If you have severe symptoms, high fever, sudden hearing loss, or neurologic symptoms, you should seek in-person care.
When should I go to urgent care or the ER for ear pain?
Seek urgent evaluation for high fever, severe worsening pain, swelling behind the ear, sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, or if you have diabetes or severe immunosuppression with severe ear pain. These can signal a serious infection or complication.
Can you treat ear pain if I have diabetes?
Diabetes increases the risk of serious ear infections, including malignant otitis externa. TeleDirectMD can assess symptoms by video, but many cases with diabetes and significant pain require in-person evaluation. If symptoms are severe, urgent in-person care is recommended.
Do I need to keep my ear dry?
If swimmer’s ear is suspected, keeping the ear dry helps the ear canal heal. Avoid swimming, avoid getting water in the ear during showers when possible, and do not insert objects into the ear canal.
Can you provide a work note for ear pain?
When symptoms significantly affect your ability to work, TeleDirectMD can provide a brief work note as part of the $49 visit, typically for a short period aligned with symptom severity. The service does not include completion of long-term disability, FMLA, or complex occupational paperwork.
What if my symptoms do not improve?
If you are not improving within 48–72 hours or you worsen, you may need an in-person ear exam to confirm the diagnosis and adjust treatment. New fever, swelling behind the ear, sudden hearing loss, or severe dizziness should be evaluated urgently.
Which states do you serve for online ear pain care?
TeleDirectMD currently serves adults located in Georgia and in more than 25 additional states, offering MD-only video visits for uncomplicated conditions when telehealth is appropriate. During booking, you will confirm that you are physically located in a licensed state at the time of your visit.