- Urgent Care
Ear Infection
Ear infection treatment available online today
In order to treat your ear infection, consult with one of our board-certified doctors online today to learn if antibiotics are needed to clear up your infection. Get a new prescription to treat your ear infection if needed, or refill an existing prescription today.
Book an appointment
Medication services available for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
Insurance accepted, but not required
Prescriptions sent to your local pharmacy*
* Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most major insurance plans accepted
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Paying without insurance? New patient visits are $129, and follow-ups are only $99 for members.
Don’t see your provider listed? Email [email protected] or call (888) 564-4454 to talk to a PlushCare specialist.
3 simple steps to request treatment for an ear infection today
Step 1
Book an appointment to request treatment for an ear infection.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your ear infection symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up a prescription to treat ear infections.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Ear infection treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request ear infection treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
Copay
For all visits
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$14.99/month
First month free
First visit
$129
Repeats only $99
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $99 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Ear infection treatment FAQs
Do ear infections go away without treatment?
Viral ear infections typically go away on their own, and their treatment is geared towards symptom management, including options like taking over-the-counter pain relievers for pain management. Bacterial infections, however, will require antibiotics to kill the infection. In order to determine which type of ear infection you have, you must consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Are ear infections contagious?
Ear infections are not contagious. However, the viral and bacterial infections that cause ear infections are contagious.
How long does an ear infection last?
The most common type of ear infection, a middle ear infection, can last anywhere from a week to two weeks, with proper treatment. Bacterial ear infections treated with antibiotics typically improve in a matter of days. Inner ear infections typically last longer. Ear infections are considered chronic when they last over six weeks.
The three areas your ear can become infected are the inner ear, middle ear, and outer ear:
Inner ear infections tend to last the longest, with symptoms often persisting for several months. Middle ear infections shouldn’t last more than one or two days. Outer ear infections can last for a week or longer.What is the best antibiotic for an ear infection?
The best antibiotic for an ear infection depends on the person. The most common antibiotics our doctors prescribe for ear infections are Amoxicillin, Keflex (cephalexin), Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate), and Bactrim DS (sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim).
How do you get rid of an ear infection fast?
The fastest way to get rid of an ear infection is to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. There are several types of ear infection, each with different treatment methods. If you do not know what type of infection you have, your treatment may not be working and your infection could be prolonged. You can get a same-day diagnosis from one of our trusted, board-certified doctors online. They can also prescribe you the proper medication. The average appointment can be booked in the next 15 minutes.
Learn about ear infections
The most common ear infection is the middle ear infection, referred to medically as acute otitis media. which refers to a sudden infection in the middle ear. Although less common, ear infections can also occur in the inner ear or outer ear.
Middle ear infection (acute otitis media)
The middle ear is the area behind the eardrum. A middle ear infection often involves a buildup of fluid and mucus behind the eardrum. Another condition that affects the middle ear is otitis media with effusion, which refers to fluid buildup in the middle ear without an infection. Otitis media with effusion can result from a middle ear infection if fluid lingers after the infection. Acute otitis media often only lasts a few days.
Inner ear infection (labyrinthitis)
The inner ear is the area including the cochlea. The cochlea, along with the vestibular system, are responsible for balance. Therefore, an inner ear infection can cause issues relating to balance such as vertigo or trouble balancing. Inner ear infections can last months.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa)
Outer ear infections can last for weeks. Sometimes referred to as swimmer’s ear, this condition is often caused by water remaining in the ear. The outer ear canal is the area that runs from the eardrum to the side of the head.
Ear infection causes
Ear infection causes
One of the most common ear infection causes is a blockage of the eustachian tube, the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. If there is a blockage, the particles that can cause an infection are more likely to be trapped in the middle ear.
Ear infections happen due to a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on the cause, ear infections are treated differently. A viral ear infection may occur as a result of a viral cold, and a bacterial ear infection is commonly caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
Ear infection symptoms
Sharp and sudden ear pain or dull and continuous ear pain
A sharp stabbing pain with immediate warm discharge from the ear canal
Feeling like your ear is clogged
Reduced hearing
Treatment for ear infection
For bacterial ear infections, the typical treatment is a course of antibiotics. Viral ear infections often resolve on their own, but over the counter pain relievers and other medications can be taken to ease symptoms and relieve pain.
Ear infection medication
For bacterial ear infections, antibiotics can be extremely effective. Some of these include:
How to prevent ear infections
Risk factors for ear infections include having an upper respiratory infection, allergic rhinitis, a mucosal disease such as sinusitis, a weakened immune system, dysfunctional eustachian tubes, or a family history of ear infections.
Following basic hygiene practices like frequent hand washing and wearing a mask can help you avoid catching a bacterial or viral infection that causes ear infections, from someone else. Frequently putting objects such as q-tips in the ear may expose the ears to bacteria that could cause an infection.
Smoking and poor air quality may also be risk factors that could contribute to ear infections.
When to see a doctor for an ear infection
If you or your child is experiencing severe ear infection symptoms or the symptoms last longer than a few days, it is important to seek medical attention from a doctor immediately. These severe symptoms include, but are not limited to, a fever higher than 102°F, fluids or discharge coming out of the ear, or hearing loss.