Can Virtual Care Diagnose Ear Infection?

People who have had ear infections know how painful they can be. They also know that trips to their primary care provider (or their child’s pediatrician) can be disruptive during a busy day.

Consequently, many ask, “Can virtual care diagnose an ear infection?” While some earaches may require an office visit, Baptist Health can diagnose many virtually using a TytoCare device.

Read on to learn more!

Understanding Ear Infections

Ear infections (otitis media) are common, especially in young children. They often develop after a cold or respiratory infection that blocks Eustachian tubes in the ear.

This blockage can trap fluid in the middle ear, leading to pressure, pain and sometimes a buildup of bacteria or viruses. While the symptoms of an ear infection can vary, pain is often the most noticeable sign. Fever and temporary hearing loss can also occur, and young children may be fussy and have trouble sleeping.

Timely diagnosis of an ear infection can prevent it from worsening, reduce the pain and prevent complications. The challenge for many people — especially those who get ear infections frequently or have children who do — is taking time away from work, school and other obligations to schedule and attend appointments with their healthcare providers.

Fortunately, technological advances have given Baptist Health patients another option. Now, they can get an ear infection diagnosis without leaving home.

Virtual Care: A More Convenient Way To Deal With Ear Infections

Diagnosing an ear infection requires a visual examination of the eardrum. The good news for patients is that a TytoCare device can give a provider the visual evidence to make that determination.

The device is a small, handheld tool designed for at-home use that allows you to share high-quality images of your eardrum with your provider. The device can also capture pictures and sounds from other parts of your body, including your throat, skin, heart and lungs, to help with other diagnoses.

For an earache, you schedule a virtual visit with your provider and then simply attach the otoscope adapter and follow instructions to capture a clear view of the eardrum. Your provider reviews the high-resolution images of your (or your child's) eardrum in real time, combines the visual information with the symptoms you’ve described during the video chat and makes an accurate diagnosis of an ear infection, just like they would during an office visit.

Then, they can call in a prescription you can pick up to get your treatment underway.

Benefits of Virtual Care From Baptist Health

• Convenience
• Reduced stress (for children)
• Accurate diagnoses
• Faster treatment

Ear infections are still unpleasant, but virtual care removes many of the hassles of getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.

Talk With Your Provider About Ear Infections

If you think you or your child has an ear infection, contact your Baptist Health provider. They can tell you how to proceed with getting a diagnosis and treatment.

Check out our online directory to find a provider if you don’t have one.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Virtual Care at Baptist Health
Urgent & Virtual Care
How to Prepare For A Virtual Care Visit
In-Person or Virtual Care?