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Conditions
EarInfection
Infection of the middle or outer ear causing pain, discharge, and sometimes hearing changes. Common in both children and adults, often following a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Get assessed
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofEarInfection
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Ear pain (can be sharp or dull)
Feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
Reduced hearing or muffled sounds
Discharge from the ear
Fever
Balance problems or dizziness
Headache on the affected side
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for time off work
- Advice on pain management
- Assessment of whether you need antibiotics
- Guidance on when to see an ENT specialist
What needs in-person care
- Physical ear examination (otoscopy)
- Treatment for chronic or recurring ear infections
- Ear infections in young children (needs in-person assessment)
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Ear pain lasting more than 48 hours
- 2Discharge from the ear
- 3Hearing loss
- 4Symptoms in children under 2
- 5You need a medical certificate for work or study
Seek emergency care if
- Sudden severe hearing loss
- Facial drooping on the affected side
- High fever with stiff neck
- Severe dizziness with vomiting
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonEarInfection
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Ear infections are very common, particularly in children, and can be assessed effectively via telehealth using a detailed symptom history. In adults, the most common presentation is otitis externa (outer ear infection or 'swimmer's ear') - pain that worsens when you tug the earlobe, with possible discharge. This is usually treated with antibiotic-steroid ear drops. Otitis media (middle ear infection) causes deep ear pain, sometimes with fever and hearing changes, and often follows a cold. In adults, most middle ear infections are viral and resolve without antibiotics in 2-3 days. Antibiotics are reserved for severe symptoms, bilateral infection, or symptoms persisting beyond 48 hours. The key red flag I screen for is mastoiditis - pain and swelling behind the ear - which requires urgent in-person assessment. I also ask about hearing changes, as sudden hearing loss needs prompt investigation.
Treatment
TreatingEarInfection
Ear infection treatment depends on the type and severity. Otitis externa (outer ear) is treated with topical antibiotic ear drops. For otitis media (middle ear), most cases in adults are viral or resolve spontaneously -- analgesia and watchful waiting for 48-72 hours is recommended by eTG before prescribing antibiotics. Antibiotics are indicated for: severe pain, fever over 39 degrees C, bilateral otitis media, or lack of improvement after 48-72 hours of observation. Ciprofloxacin is not used for middle ear infections (reserved for outer ear and perforated drum with discharge).
Ibuprofen + paracetamol (alternating)
Nurofen, Panadol
Class:NSAID + analgesic combination
Typical dose:Ibuprofen 400mg and paracetamol 1g alternating every 3 hours; follow individual maximum daily doses
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- Alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen provides superior analgesia to either alone for ear pain
- Take ibuprofen with food; ensure max daily paracetamol is not exceeded (4g/day)
- Often sufficient as sole treatment for mild otitis media during the watchful waiting period
Ciprofloxacin + dexamethasone ear drops
Cilodex, Cipromed
Class:Topical fluoroquinolone antibiotic + corticosteroid
Typical dose:4 drops into the affected ear twice daily for 7 days (otitis externa)
PBS:PBS listed for otitis externa; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- First-line treatment for otitis externa (swimmer's ear) per eTG ENT guidelines
- Dexamethasone component reduces the inflammation and oedema in the ear canal
- More effective and less resistance concern than aminoglycoside drops (framycetin combinations)
- A telehealth consult can prescribe for classic otitis externa presentations
Amoxicillin
Amoxil, Alphamox
Class:Aminopenicillin antibiotic
Typical dose:500mg three times daily for 5 days (acute otitis media in adults)
PBS:PBS listed for otitis media; $25.00 general / $7.70 concession (PBS, 2026)
- First-line antibiotic for bacterial otitis media when treatment is indicated per eTG
- Indicated after 48-72 hours of watchful waiting without improvement, or immediately for severe cases
- If penicillin allergy: cefalexin or roxithromycin are alternatives per eTG
- Can be prescribed via telehealth when clinical picture is consistent with bacterial otitis media
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Ear, Nose and Throat, 2023; Australian Society of Clinical and Experimental Immunology guidelines for ear infections. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer urgently if: mastoiditis suspected (swelling or redness behind the ear, displaced pinna), facial nerve palsy, suspected cholesteatoma, or severe vertigo with hearing loss. Refer to an ENT specialist for: recurrent otitis media (3 or more episodes in 6 months), persistent middle ear fluid (glue ear) for more than 3 months, or hearing loss not resolved after treatment.
Ear Infection in Australia
Ear infections are the most common reason for antibiotic prescriptions in Australian children
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have significantly higher rates of otitis media, particularly chronic suppurative otitis media
Otitis externa ('swimmer's ear') is more common in tropical Australian climates
Overuse of antibiotics for viral ear infections contributes to antimicrobial resistance - a major public health concern in Australia
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Otitis externa: 7-10 days with antibiotic drops. Otitis media: most resolve in 2-3 days; if antibiotics are needed, improvement within 48 hours. Hearing changes may take several weeks to fully resolve as fluid drains from the middle ear.
Return to work
Most adults can work with an ear infection, though pain and reduced hearing may be distracting. 1-2 days off during the acute phase is reasonable. Avoid swimming until outer ear infections have fully resolved.
When to reassess
See a doctor urgently if you develop swelling or redness behind the ear (possible mastoiditis), high fever with ear pain, sudden significant hearing loss, facial weakness on the affected side, or discharge that persists beyond 2 weeks.
Self-Care
ManagingEarInfectionathome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
For pain relief, alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen every 3 hours (follow packet directions for each)
Apply a warm compress to the affected ear - a warm washcloth held against the ear can ease pain
Keep water out of the affected ear - use earplugs or cotton wool with petroleum jelly when showering
Do not insert anything into the ear canal - no cotton buds, no drops unless prescribed
For swimmer's ear prevention: dry ears thoroughly after swimming using a gentle hairdryer on low heat held at arm's length
Sleep with the affected ear facing up to allow gravity to assist drainage
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutEarInfection
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Ear infections can be quite painful and affect your ability to work. Our doctors can provide a medical certificate when appropriate.
No. Many ear infections resolve on their own within 2-3 days. Antibiotics may be recommended if symptoms are severe or don't improve.
Telehealth is good for initial assessment, pain management advice, and medical certificates. If an ear examination is needed, we'll refer you to see a doctor in person.
Most ear infections improve within 2-3 days and resolve fully within 1-2 weeks. If symptoms persist beyond a week, see a doctor.
Ready to get help with Ear Infection?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.