PlushCare / Online Doctor / Primary Care / Ear Infection
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.
Medication services available 24/7 for adults and kids (3+)
Top quality, board-certified doctors
No insurance needed
Same-day prescriptions available*
*Prescriptions provided at doctor’s discretion.
Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less. Otherwise, new patient visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for members.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
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.
$14.99/month
First month free
Copay
For all visits
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
$14.99/month
First month free
$129
Repeats only $69
Initial visits are $129 and follow-ups are only $69 for active members.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A bacterial ear infection is commonly caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae.
A viral ear infection may occur as a result of a viral cold.
For bacterial ear infections, antibiotics can be extremely effective. Some of these include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ear infections are not contagious. However, the viral and bacterial infections that cause ear infections are contagious.
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, and outer ear infections can last for a week or longer.
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.
