Virtual ER · 24/7 Emergency Telemedicine & Virtual Urgent Care
24/7 Online Ear Infection, Earache & Swimmer’s Ear Treatment.
An aching or blocked ear can make sleep and concentration difficult. Start by describing the problem to our physicians and nurse practitioners, who can help you decide whether you need an examination.
Video visits · Open 24/7 · Board-certified MDs & NPs · Backed by Bellaire ER
For chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke symptoms, or major bleeding, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
| Specific Presentation | Symptoms Evaluated on Video | Video Treatment & Local E-Prescribing Protocol |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Ear Infection (Acute Otitis Media) & Earache | Deep throbbing ear pain, muffled hearing, ear fullness after cold or sinus congestion | Mastoiditis red-flag check + oral antibiotic (amoxicillin / Augmentin) & pain relief e-Rx |
| Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa) & Outer Ear Canal Pain | Ear pain when pulling on outer ear/tragus, itching, drainage after swimming or showering | Antibiotic-steroid ear drops (ciprodex / ofloxacin otic) sent directly to local pharmacy |
| Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Ear Popping & Barotrauma | Blocked ear pressure, crackling sound, airplane ear, post-sinus fluid fullness | Nasal steroid + decongestant pressure-equalization regimen via e-Rx |
What to tell us about your symptoms
Ear pain, pressure, drainage or a change in hearing can have different causes. Pain does not automatically mean a bacterial ear infection.
What the video visit can help with
Explain when the discomfort started and whether it followed a cold, swimming or an injury. Mention fever, drainage, hearing changes and any previous ear problems. For a child, describe age and how symptoms are affecting normal activity.
When an examination or testing may be needed
Diagnosing an ear infection often requires looking inside the ear with an instrument. A normal video call may not provide that view. The clinician can explain when an in-person ear examination is needed.
Discussing treatment
The appropriate plan depends on the cause and examination findings. A video visit is not a promise of antibiotics; it is a way to review the concern and choose the next step.
When to get care in person
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe illness or pain after a significant injury needs prompt in-person assessment. Do not assume a video visit can fully evaluate those symptoms.
Before your visit
Have the names of any drops or medicines used ready. Avoid putting objects into the ear to try to show the clinician what is happening.
Verified Clinical Team · Backed by Our 24/7 Physical Emergency Room
Meet the Physicians & Nurse Practitioners Behind Your Care
Every video visit is conducted by our licensed physicians, physician assistants, and emergency nurse practitioners from Bellaire ER — combining 24/7 telemedicine convenience with the clinical depth of a real emergency department.
Backed by Our Brick-and-Mortar 24/7 Emergency Room & CT Imaging Suite
Unlike app-only telehealth directories, Virtual ER is operated by our licensed 24/7 freestanding emergency center at 5306 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire, TX 77401 — equipped with on-site CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, and STAT laboratory suites.
Meet all 15 physicians & nurse practitioners on our team →
Questions about this care
Can you see an ear infection on an ordinary video call?
Not reliably. The clinician may need an examination of the ear canal and eardrum with appropriate equipment before diagnosing or treating an infection.
Your next step
Let’s talk about getting you care.
Start with a video visit. Your clinician can help you understand what can be addressed online and what needs care in person.
Sources and service information
Virtual ER public service overview
Information updated October 3, 2026. General information does not replace your own clinical evaluation.